Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act; Affordable HOMES Act
Summary
H.R. 5184, the "Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act" or the "Affordable HOMES Act," aims to prevent the Secretary of Energy from enforcing energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing. The bill amends Section 413 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, modifying the process for recommending revisions to energy conservation standards. It also nullifies the Department of Energy's final rule on energy conservation standards for manufactured housing published on May 31, 2022.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would shift the focus of energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing from mandatory enforcement by the Department of Energy to recommendations transmitted to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The nullification of the 2022 final rule would halt its implementation, potentially affecting the energy efficiency and cost of new manufactured homes.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces the initial purchase price of manufactured homes by avoiding costly energy efficiency mandates.
- Allows for consideration of factory construction limitations and climate zones in setting energy standards.
- Promotes alternative methods for achieving energy performance.
- May lead to shorter payback periods for added costs related to energy standards.
- Could stimulate the manufactured housing market by making homes more affordable.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May reduce the energy efficiency of manufactured homes, leading to higher long-term energy costs for homeowners.
- Could hinder efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.
- May result in manufactured homes that do not meet modern energy conservation standards.
- Potentially reduces the incentive for manufacturers to innovate in energy-efficient building technologies.
- Could negatively impact the environment and public health due to increased energy consumption.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill primarily concerns energy efficiency standards and the roles of the Secretary of Energy and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Congress has the power to regulate commerce through Article I, Section 8, Clause 3, the Commerce Clause. The bill's provisions regarding energy standards and housing fall under the purview of this clause. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, but this bill does not appear to infringe on state powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).