Page 66 - Green Builder March-April 2021 Issue

FROM THE TAILGATE By Ron Jones

New Offerings for the Sustainable Minded

All Eyes Forward

S WE GO TO PRESS with this issue of Green
Builder, the vast majority of the chatter in
the home building industry centers around
lumber prices, and the increasing costs for
A other materials and products essential to
the process. This is easily understandable. If we made
our livings as bakers, we would surely be paying ongoing
attention to the price of flour and the other ingredients
needed to produce a loaf of bread.
However, this humble observer would like to suggest that
there are also larger, more complicated issues that builders
need keep an eye on as the industry, and the country at
large, attempts to navigate a path forward. We all want to
move on from the unprecedented challenges we have dealt
with since early 2020.
It seems fair to say that all aspects of the regulatory arena
are in flux. It is reasonable to assume that the pendulum is
swinging in the direction of more government oversight
and enforcement, not less, especially in the energy and
environmental arenas. There are also major policy changes
in social programs, plus national strategies regarding
education, immigration, transportation, taxation and all
aspects of the economy.
But one large, pending change may not be front of mind
for most builders. It is one that could become a bellwether,
not only for the home building sector, but for commerce in
general. I am referring to the impending overhaul of the National Meanwhile, battle lines are being drawn around the indisputable
Flood Insurance Program administered by FEMA. crisis we are facing with the country’s infrastructure. The recent
It is the opinion of many in government and elsewhere that a winter storm events that virtually paralyzed entire states and broad
levelling of the playing field is long overdue for administrators and regions of the country, costing lives and billions of dollars, have
users of a program that is woefully outdated, easily manipulated and largely silenced many climate skeptics and will propel forward
in desperate need of major adjustments. critical discussions about how we should begin dealing with
Critics of the current program say that irresponsible government increasingly vulnerable energy grids, refineries and pipelines, water
officials at all levels have allowed the development community and wastewater facilities, railways, highways and bridges, dams and
and real estate industry to enjoy tremendous influence in zoning flood control systems, and so many things that have for too long been
decisions, flood risk designations and related policies, to the detriment ignored or taken for granted.
of natural environments and ecosystems, underrepresented local Keep your eyes open to what is immediately in front of you,
communities, and those with little political clout. that which surely impacts your business and your livelihood on a
They point out the irony in the situation where an industry day-to-day basis. But also, keep watch on the road ahead and the
that champions individual freedoms and choices, free market big picture, as our industry, along with many others, are at risk
conditions and disdain for unwanted government interference is of multiple rude awakenings in coming months. Those who pay
more than happy to benefit and profit from a broken system that attention and stay informed can continue to thrive and prosper.
repeatedly transfers the immense financial burdens for shortfalls Those who fail to do so greatly diminish their own chances for
onto American taxpayers. success. GB

64 GREEN BUILDER March/April 2021 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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