If we put all sorts of Green conditions on bailing out the auto biz,

[nosmokes]

then why aren't we taking advantage of this opportunity to place the same conditions on the housing industry? Let's put an end to suburban sprawl and all these damn mac mansions that are nothing if not monuments to inefficient use of materials and energy. Since we all agree it's time for a new paradigm on energy use, building green homes with active and passive solar features among other green items should be part of the requirements for the bailout money- i.e: the bank don't get the money unless it loans it out to builders and buyers that build or retrofit green houses.

Just a goose/gander thought.

[LeftyMom]

1. Local governments are the ones who approve stupid building.

All they need to do is stop approving projects that are eyesores, sited badly, or otherwise stupid.

[nosmokes]

3. Yeah. Is that gonna happen where you live anytime soon?

There isn't the will in too many local gobernments for limiting/regulating growth because it's generally the developers that have the money and control the political scene. But if smart planning and green building were conditions for getting money from the banks *then the the builders would go along. Begrudgingly to be sure, but they'd jump through th hoops to get at the treasure.

[JVS]

2. Since the bottom has fallen out of the housing market, such restrictions seem superflous

[nosmokes]

4. whether it's 5 years or ten years, the economy will recover and we

should have a new foundation for how we want it grow.

[JVS]

5. Is the housing industry asking for a bailout or do you just want the auto industry to receive less..

scrutiny?

[nosmokes]

7. There is talk of it, and indirectly through the banks & Freddie/Fannie

we've been bailing out the 'housing industry. And no,I'm not advocating less for the big 3, but if Congress is making them do tricks and play poor mouth to get a rescue package, why not the same treatment for the banks and builders/developers? Especially the banks and financials?

[BeatleBoot]

6. It's not a Bailout! It's a Loan!

The banks got a bailout!

The automakers are asking for a loan!