House Approves NAHB-Supported Energy Codes Bill

The House today approved the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act, NAHB-supported legislation that would repeal burdensome provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act, including a provision that provides states $1 billion to incentivize the adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Compliance with the 2021 IECC would make it much harder for home builders and multifamily developers to build housing that is available and affordable for American families. In fact, Home Innovation Research Labs has found that compliance with the 2021 IECC can add more than $20,000 to the price of a new home, but in practice, home builders have estimated increased costs of up to $31,000.

Prior to the House vote, NAHB sent a letter to lawmakers urging passage of this legislation and designated passage of the bill as a “key vote” because of its importance to the housing industry.

“This legislation safeguards housing affordability and ensures state and local governments retain the flexibility to adopt energy codes that reflect local conditions without imposing costly, federally driven mandates,” the letter stated.

Companion legislation introduced by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.) is pending in the Senate.