Join the Fight to Rescind Energy Code That Harms Housing Affordability
NAHB is calling on all our members to contact their members of Congress and tell them to support H.J. Res 170, a resolution that will stop the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from adopting the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. (IECC).
The Issue
A recent decision by HUD and the USDA that requires them to insure mortgages for new single-family homes only if they are built to the 2021 IECC and HUD-financed multifamily housing be built to 2021 IECC or ASHRAE 90.1-2019, is making it much harder for home builders and multifamily developers to build housing that is attainable and affordable for American families.
Why it Matters
According to Home Innovation Research Labs, compliance with the 2021 IECC can add $22,572 to the price of a new home, but in practice, home builders have estimated increased costs of up to $31,000. Furthermore, it can take as long as 90 years for home owners to see a payback on this investment. Now is not the time to create or support additional regulations that add more uncertainty, delays or costs to the home building process.
How You Can Help
Contact your lawmakers today and ask them to support H.J. Res. 170, a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval to allow Congress to overturn this harmful energy codes rule. Click on the bar below and it will allow you to send a letter to your lawmaker urging them to support H.J. Res. 170.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jan 12, 2026
NAHB’s Monthly Update Features 2026 Advocacy PrioritiesThe update provides the latest messaging framework to help members articulate the Federation's housing priorities.
Jan 09, 2026
Finalists Announced for the 2025 The Nationals AwardsNAHB announced the Silver Winners for The Nationals, powered by Chase. These awards celebrate the best in new-home sales and marketing and include 55+ housing, global innovation and NAHB Honors.
Latest Economic News
Jan 12, 2026
Household Real Estate Asset Values Fall in the Third QuarterThe market value of household real estate assets fell to $48.0 trillion in the third quarter of 2025, according to the most recent release of U.S. Federal Reserve Z.1 Financial Accounts. The third quarter value is 0.7% lower than the second quarter but is 1.5% higher than a year ago.
Jan 12, 2026
Growth for Custom Home BuildingNAHB’s analysis of Census Data from the Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design survey indicates year-over year growth for custom home builders amid broader single-family home building weakness.
Jan 09, 2026
Townhouse Construction Share Gains ContinueAccording to NAHB analysis of the most recent Census data of Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design, during the third quarter of 2025, single-family attached starts totaled 46,000. Over the last four quarters, townhouse construction starts totaled a strong 179,000 homes, which is 1% higher than the prior four-quarter period (177,000). Townhouses made almost 20% all of single-family housing starts for the third quarter of the year.