NE Washington News

Washington D.C. — House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) have expressed strong opposition to the Department of Energy's (DOE) new building codes, which they believe will worsen the housing affordability crisis.

The legislators sent a letter to DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm, criticizing the new energy codes as a move that will not improve people's lives or the environment. Rodgers stated, "Rather than improve people’s lives and the environment, this latest rush-to-green policy is being implemented by the Biden administration to appease its radical environmental allies and will only increase housing prices and utility bills for millions of American."

Duncan echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that state and local governments should not be compelled to adopt international energy codes that may restrict fuel choices and impose costly requirements. He stated, "State and local governments should not be forced to adopt international energy codes that set efficiency requirements, ban the use of natural gas, or require expensive electrification retrofits for appliances and electric vehicle charging."

The legislators expressed concerns that the DOE's building codes grant programs could exacerbate the current housing affordability crisis and limit energy choices for the American people by promoting one-size-fits-all standards that may not be suitable for all income levels and regions of the country.

The Biden administration's push for new energy efficiency standards, including "zero energy" building codes, has raised alarms among critics who believe these measures could lead to increased housing costs and utility expenses for Americans.

For more information, the full letter addressed to DOE Secretary Jennifer Granholm can be accessed through the House Energy and Commerce Committee's contact information provided.