AIA GAC Member Arathi Gowda Testifies at EPA Hearing

By: Michele Mihelic

Arathi Gowda, Principal, East Coast Performance Team at ZGF Architects, AIA Government Affairs Committee member, testified on behalf of The American Institute of Architects (AIA)  before the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during their public hearing from August 19-22, in strong opposition to the proposed rule to rescind the 2009 Endangerment Finding and repeal all associated Greenhouse Gas (GHG) vehicle standards.

AIA asserts the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is not only a climate issue but also a direct threat to public safety and economic prosperity. For architects, the built environment is on the front lines of climate risk. AIA maintains that the GHG standards is a proactive, sound business strategy that reduces financial risk, protects infrastructure from climate-related damage, and promotes public health. Rescinding these standards would disrupt markets, jeopardize property values, and reverse progress toward creating more resilient and valuable communities.

AIA remains committed to advocating for policies that support a sustainable and healthy built environment for all. The AIA is currently preparing to submit official public comments to the EPA. Members who wish to contribute to this unified voice and express their opposition to the rule should contact Michele Mihelic (MicheleMihelic@aia.org) as soon as possible. The public comment period for this NPRM ends on September 15, 2025.