Agenda Summary
National Association of REALTORS®
2012 REALTORS® Conference
Convention Center
Room W308 A-C , Level III, Entrance A
Friday, November 9, 2012
11a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Chair:  Dan Hatfield, TX
Vice Chair:  Donna Smith, SC
Committee Liaison:  Bob Kulick, CA
Committee Executive:  Russell Riggs, Austin Perez

I. Call To Order and Opening Remarks
- Dan Hatfield, Chair
- Donna Smith, Vice-Chair

II. Approval of Previous Meeting's Minutes and
Review of Conflict of Interest Statement

II. Discussion of 2013 Goals

III. Land Use Forum Review
- Bob Snowden, Chair
- Mary Begier, Vice-Chair
Orange County Convention Center, W311g
Friday, November 9, 2012
8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

IV. Legislative and Regulatory Update
A. National Flood Insurance Program
President Obama signed into law on July 6, 2012 the Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012.  This is the culmination of a successful multi-year REALTOR campaign and a final push at NAR's Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in May 2012.  Passage of this 5-year re-authorization will bring certainty to real estate transactions in more than 21,000 communities nationwide where flood insurance is required for a mortgage.  The bill ensures the program will continue long-term for more than 5.6 million business- and homeowners who rely on it.

B. Waters of the U.S.
The Obama administration is currently reviewing a controversial guidance document that it says will clarify what waters of the U.S. are under federal jurisdiction. The EPA says the proposal would restore federal protection to a small number of streams and wetlands that lost protection following two recent Supreme Court decisions. The administration says the proposal would also provide clarity to businesses and landowners subject to federal regulation.

NAR, along with many other regulated stakeholders, has contended that the proposal represents a far more vast and unconstitutional expansion of federal authority than supporters argue, potentially trampling property rights, instituting new permit procedures and regulations, and stifling economic recovery.

A bipartisan group of congressional leaders have filed legislation that would prohibit the administration from moving forward with this guidance. House Transportation Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) has introduced H.R. 4965 along with ranking member Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), Water Resources Subcommittee Chairman Bob Gibbs (R-Ohio) and Agriculture Chairman Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) and ranking member Collin Peterson (D-Minn.).

C. Building Labeling and Energy Efficiency
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), under its Building Technologies Program seeks to develop a voluntary National Asset Rating Program for Commercial Buildings (AR Program).  In August of 2011, the DOE issued a Request for Information seeking input on a proposed AR program.  The AR Program would establish an Asset Rating system for commercial buildings based on a national standard and would evaluate the physical characteristics and as-built energy efficiency of these buildings.  It would also identify potential energy efficiency improvements.  The goal is to facilitate cost-effective investment in energy efficiency and reduce energy use in the commercial building sector. 

The DOE is in the process of launching its voluntary pilot program and is now soliciting participants.

D. Lead Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule
Under a settlement agreement between the EPA and various public interest groups, the EPA is required to develop regulations that establish lead safe work practices for renovation, repair and painting (RRP) activities for commercial and public buildings.

Under the original agreement, a proposed RRP rule for the exterior of commercial and public buildings was due on Dec. 15, 2011. This date has been pushed back twice so far, most recently to Sept. 15, 2012. A final rule is due on July 15, 2013, although the delays in issuing the proposed rule will no doubt delay promulgation of the final rule.

NAR will comment on the proposed rule whenever it is issued and express our concerns regarding the lack of data related to lead paint hazards that commercial buildings pose to children during RRP activities.

E. U.S. Natural Disaster Policy
Insurers have responded to recent natural disasters by raising insurance rates or declining to write policies. NAR supports development of a forward-looking national policy that improves access to affordable property insurance nationwide.

F. Regulatory Reform

V. Old Business

VI. New Business

VII. Committee Member Information Exchange/Discussion