Anti-Suburban Sprawl Bill Draws Controversy in the Senate
Once again, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) has submitted legislation to limit suburban “sprawl.”
Similar to a bill that was introduced in the previous Congress and opposed by NAHB, S. 1208 would establish a federal program that would provide conservancy groups with federal funds to buy up open space in the suburbs.
The proposal would authorize the secretary of agriculture to approve, or disapprove, grant applications and determine areas that are “suburban.” This would open the door to federal oversight of state and local land-use decision making.
After NAHB worked with Collins on her previous legislation to make it acceptable to the nation’s home builders, the senator agreed to include a requirement for state and local planning authorities to weigh the impacts of their land conservation decisions on housing affordability.
The Senate adjourned for the year before that bill could be considered.