In a clash over climate and affordability, home builders are lobbying against stricter energy efficiency standards for new houses, citing cost concerns.
Anna Phillips reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Home builders in various states, including North Carolina and Michigan, are opposing new energy efficiency building codes, arguing they increase housing costs.
- The industry claims these codes add significantly to construction costs, though federal studies suggest a much lower impact.
- Climate advocates and some builders counter that energy-efficient homes offer long-term savings and environmental benefits.
Key quote:
"The notion that building this way is too expensive or too complicated … I just don’t buy any of that."
— Rob Howard, green builder
Why this matters:
This resistance to energy-efficient building practices is significant as it hinders progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from homes, which account for a significant portion of U.S. emissions. The debate underscores the challenge of balancing economic interests with urgent environmental needs.
Op-ed: When a home is not a sanctuary but a sickening, expensive trap.
