House Passes Bill to Repeal Onerous Energy Codes Grant Program

The House today approved the Lower Energy Costs Act (H.R. 1), NAHB-supported legislation that would repeal a section of the Inflation Reduction Act that provides $1 billion to pressure state and local governments to adopt costly and restrictive energy codes.

NAHB also worked to get an amendment added to the legislation that would prohibit the Department of Energy from implementing its proposed rule regarding gas stoves, or any other rule that would limit consumer access to gas stoves.

While NAHB supports the adoption of cost-effective, modern energy codes, we oppose these grant programs that prevent amendments to the energy code that accommodate local conditions and a cost-effectiveness analysis.

NAHB believes that forcing the adoption of costly energy codes to qualify for these grants would exacerbate the current housing affordability crisis and limit energy choices for consumers. Adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code can cost a home buyer as much as $31,000 in additional costs and can take as long as 90 years for home owners to see a payback from these investments.

Prior to the House vote, NAHB sent a letter to lawmakers designating support for the legislation and the gas stove amendment as “key votes” because of their importance to the home building industry.

H.R. 1 also repeals a provision in the Inflation Reduction Act that addresses energy efficiency in older homes. NAHB stands ready to work with Congress to develop a practical energy efficiency program that addresses the great need for energy efficiency improvements in older homes.

NAHB is now urging the Senate to follow suit and advance these important provisions in H.R. 1.

Learn more about NAHB’s efforts on energy codes.