Federal, state and local land development policies should be flexible and responsive to consumer preferences, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

The NAHB believes the effort to improve cooperation between local governments, builders and developers, and other stakeholders is more important than any regulation.

"This collaborative approach can serve the industry – and the environment – as we all continue to work toward sustainable development," Bruce Boncke, who is CEO of Rochester, N.Y.-based engineering firm BME Assoc., said before Congress yesterday. He testified on low impact development and green infrastructure in a hearing before the Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

"I urge Congress to support regulations, especially in the area of green building, that are flexible enough to allow for adjustments based on a region’s unique characteristics – such as the physical properties of the land and the housing needs of the population – and to avoid the pitfalls that come with attempting to implement a style of development that is not possible or appropriate in a particular region," said Boncke.