EC Georgia News

Congressmen Rick W. Allen (GA-12) and Warren Davidson (OH-08), along with twelve of their Republican colleagues, have sent a letter to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Sandra Thompson. The letter urges the FHFA to reconsider a proposed mandate that would introduce new energy efficiency requirements for homes seeking financing through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In the letter, the members state: "The Biden Administration's push to impose the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (2021 IECC) or ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019 on newly constructed homes exemplifies its broader pattern of regulatory overreach. This decision, based on incomplete analysis, highlights a concerning lack of consideration for the economic challenges faced by Americans. Such a move risks worsening the housing affordability crisis and placing additional regulatory burdens on homebuilders and potential homeowners."

They further argue: "The Biden Administration’s heavy-handed approach disregards the principle that building codes, including energy codes, have traditionally been adopted and implemented at the state and local levels. This decentralized approach allows for flexibility to address regional differences and local needs. Imposing a de facto national energy code through the mortgage financing system undermines this principle and is a blatant intrusion of federal authority."

The letter concludes with an appeal: "We urge you to reconsider this course of action and to focus on policies that promote housing affordability and availability without imposing onerous federal mandates. We must prioritize the needs of American families and ensure that homeownership remains an achievable goal for all."

Cosigners include Representatives Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND-AL), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Greg Pence (R-IN), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Richard Hudson (R-NC), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), John Rose (R-TN), and Roger Williams (R-TX).