HUD
energy and environment policy is coordinated by the Office of Community
Viability. The Energy web site describes
HUD energy initiatives, policies and how federal government wide
energy policies affect HUD programs and assistance. The Environment
web site describes HUD environmental policies and regulations
affecting HUD assistance, as well as providing links to sources
for discussions about the man made and urban environments.
Energy
There are three main Energy challenges with respect to HUD. First,
utility bills can burden the poor and can be a contributing factor
in homelessness. Second, HUD programs are affected by energy costs.
Finally, energy costs affect economic development. To address these
and other issues HUD has adopted the Energy Action Plan.
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Environment
The Housing Act of 1949 stated HUD's goal "of a decent home and
a suitable living environment for every American family." This goal
is carried out today in all HUD programs and through enforcement
of a system of environmental rules and policies. HUD zealously embarks
on projects to help to create better communities for everyone. The
Office of Environment and Energy works to improve the environment
of the communities across the landscape of America. It helps HUD
staff and clients improve the quality of their projects by guiding
them through federal environmental requirements and by taking into
account, early in the planning process, ways to improve the quality
of their projects by taking environmental factors into consideration.
The environment includes natural and man-made physical features,
as well as social and cultural values.
All
HUD programs are meant to protect against damaging the environment.
That is why the Office of Environment and Energy has an oversight
function to insure that our programs are helping rather than hurting
both communities and the world in which we live.
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