Energy
There are three main Energy challenges with respect to HUD. First, utility bills can burden the poor and can be a contributing factor in homelessness. Second, HUD programs are affected by energy costs. Finally, energy costs affect economic development. To address these and other issues HUD has adopted the Energy Action Plan.
 

Environment
The Housing Act of 1949 stated HUD's goal "of a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family." This goal is carried out today in all HUD programs and through enforcement of a system of environmental rules and policies. HUD zealously embarks on projects to help to create better communities for everyone. The Office of Environment and Energy works to improve the environment of the communities across the landscape of America. It helps HUD staff and clients improve the quality of their projects by guiding them through federal environmental requirements and by taking into account, early in the planning process, ways to improve the quality of their projects by taking environmental factors into consideration. The environment includes natural and man-made physical features, as well as social and cultural values.

All HUD programs are meant to protect against damaging the environment. That is why the Office of Environment and Energy has an oversight function to insure that our programs are helping rather than hurting both communities and the world in which we live.