Home Builders Association of Maryland: Congressional/ National Updates

August 1 - NAHB Comments on EPA Draft Guidance on Waters of the U.S.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) submitted the following comments to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (collectively, the Agencies) on the Draft Guidance on Identifying Waters Protected by the Clean Water Act, as published in the Federal Register on May 2, 2011 (Draft Guidance).

Click here to download the comments

NAHB Joins Recent Court Actions Over the Chesapeake Bay TMDL

NAHB has decided that after the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and other interests have joined recent Chesapeake Bay TMDL litigation, home builders must be at the table to provide our input on the TMDL requirements. NAHB supports the Bay restoration effort, but is concerned with the scientific and procedural irregularities in the rulemaking process. NAHB’s lawsuit was filed on June 24, 2011.

A recent NAHB article on the action is at http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2011-07-11/Front+Page/4.html

July 11 - NAHB Comments on EPA's Proposed Construction General Permit

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the Proposed Construction General Permit that was noticed in the Federal Register on Monday, April 25th, 2011.

Click here to download the comments

NAHB Articles

Environment

-Meeting EPA Effluent Limits on Stormwater Runoff Will Be Challenging, NAHB Study Finds

-EPA Urged to Delay Adding Effluent Limit Guidelines to Construction Permits

-EPA Extends Current Construction General Permit to 2012

-NAHB Seeks Feedback on Feasibility of Stringent New EPA Stormwater Retention Rules

-NAHB Finds Many Problems With Guidance on Determining Clean Water Act Jurisdiction

Politics and Government

-Tax Hikes Likely Face Political Stalemate in Next Phase of Deficit Cutting

-Bipartisan Senate Bill Would Extend Conforming Loan Limits Through 2013

-Help Build Support for AD&C Legislation and the Mortgage Interest Deduction

Economics and Finance

-June’s New-Home Sales in a Holding Pattern at Low Levels
-Eye on the Economy: Housing Remains Steady, Despite Weak Economic Growth
-Useful Links to Monitor Economic and Housing Trends

Washington Update

Tax Hikes Likely Face Political Stalemate in Next Phase of Deficit Cutting

Ending a rancorous political stalemate, President Obama on Aug. 2 signed the bipartisan debt ceiling bill into law just hours before the nation faced an unprecedented default on its financial obligations. But the two parties are expected to remain sharply divided over tax hikes and spending cuts as they enter the next phase of deficit reduction required by the new law. Read More...

Write to Congress