Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act; Affordable HOMES Act
Summary
The Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act, or Affordable HOMES Act, aims to revise energy conservation standards for manufactured homes. It authorizes the Secretary of Energy to recommend changes to the preemptive energy conservation standards to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The Act also nullifies the Department of Energy's final rule on energy conservation standards for manufactured housing published in May 2022.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Affordable HOMES Act would prioritize cost-effectiveness and consider the impact on the initial purchase price of manufactured homes when setting energy conservation standards. This could lead to lower upfront costs for manufactured homes, potentially increasing affordability. However, it may also result in less energy-efficient homes, leading to higher long-term energy costs for homeowners.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lowers the initial purchase price of manufactured homes, making them more affordable.
- Considers factory construction limitations specific to manufactured homes.
- Allows for alternative methods to achieve equivalent or improved energy performance.
- Requires consideration of payback periods for added costs arising from energy standards.
- Could stimulate demand for manufactured homes due to lower initial costs.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May lead to less energy-efficient manufactured homes, increasing long-term energy costs for homeowners.
- Could negatively impact environmental conservation efforts due to reduced energy efficiency standards.
- May reduce incentives for manufacturers to innovate in energy-efficient technologies.
- Nullifying the 2022 final rule creates regulatory uncertainty.
- Potential conflict with broader energy conservation goals.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 1, which grants legislative powers to Congress. The Act does not seem to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms. The Act's focus on energy standards and housing falls within the scope of Congress's power to regulate commerce and provide for the general welfare.
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).