Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act; Affordable HOMES Act
Summary
The Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act, also known as the Affordable HOMES Act, aims to prohibit the Secretary of Energy from enforcing energy efficiency standards applicable to manufactured housing. The bill specifically repeals Section 413 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which granted the authority to establish these standards. It also nullifies the final rule published by the Department of Energy on May 31, 2022, concerning energy conservation standards for manufactured housing.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the bill would remove federal energy efficiency standards for manufactured homes. This could potentially lower the initial cost of manufactured housing, making it more affordable. However, it might also lead to higher energy consumption and costs for homeowners over the long term.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lowers the initial cost of manufactured housing, making it more accessible to low-income individuals and families.
- Reduces regulatory burden on manufacturers of manufactured housing.
- Could stimulate the manufactured housing industry by reducing compliance costs.
- May offer consumers more choices in the types of manufactured homes available.
- Addresses concerns about the affordability of housing by removing potentially costly energy efficiency mandates.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May lead to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills for homeowners over the lifespan of the manufactured home.
- Could result in lower energy efficiency standards compared to current regulations.
- May negatively impact environmental protection and climate action due to increased energy usage.
- Could reduce the long-term value and durability of manufactured homes.
- May lead to increased pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution, which vests all legislative powers in a Congress consisting of a Senate and House of Representatives. The bill addresses energy efficiency standards, which can be argued to fall under the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) as it relates to interstate commerce and the regulation thereof. The repeal of existing regulations is a valid exercise of Congressional authority.
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).