This bill helps make manufactured homes more affordable by allowing for updates to energy efficiency standards. It focuses on balancing energy savings with construction costs and methods.
Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act or the Affordable HOMES Act This bill rescinds Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency regulations applicable to manufactured housing and eliminates DOE’s authority to issue similar regulations. Specifically, the bill rescinds the DOE final rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing and published on May 31, 2022. Under the bill, DOE may provide recommendations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for revisions to energy conservation standards applicable to manufactured housing. These recommendations must comply with criteria established by the bill, including by being based on the determination of the cost-effectiveness of such revision.
1. This bill allows the Secretary of Energy to suggest changes to energy standards for manufactured homes. 2. Recommendations must consider costs and construction methods specific to manufactured homes. 3. The bill aims to lower the initial purchase price of manufactured homes by revising energy standards. 4. It also evaluates energy performance based on different climate zones. 5. The previous energy conservation standards from May 2022 will no longer apply.