...In our buildings. We should promote stronger code for energy efficient building, which would naturally encourage people to choose more block construction (keeps more production local), adobe, and straw bale -- both of the latter being renewable and with less energy intensive production. In concert with better passive solar design appropriate for our desert setting, this would also help address peak energy usage and overall energy demand. The cost savings would improve quality of life and could be applied to other uses that do the same locally.