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
The monthly update provides talking points to help members stay informed with clear and consistent messages on issues affecting the residential construction industry.
NAHB leadership will gather Oct. 6-8 for the 2026 Fall Leadership Meeting in Detroit. Members and HBA staff not in attendance can view livestreams of the key meetings.
Latest Economic News
The U.S. labor market cooled in September, with nonfarm payroll employment increasing by just 29,000 as downward revisions erased most of August’s previously reported strength. The unemployment rate edged up to 4.2%, as both employment and the labor force continued to grow.
Private residential construction spending rose in August 2026 following a series of declines during the second quarter of the year. According to the latest construction spending data from the U.S. Census Bureau, private residential construction spending came in at a seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of $882.3 billion in August, up 1.1% from July but down 4.8% from a year ago.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how work gets done, but its impact varies considerably across occupations. For most construction occupations, near-term exposure to AI remains relatively low.