The House approved bipartisan legislation Friday that would shift full authority over energy efficiency standards for mobile homes from the Department of Energy to a federal housing agency, with the support of dozens of House Democrats.
Rep Erin Houchin’s (R-Ind.) “Affordable HOMES Act,” H.R. 5184, would give the Department of Housing and Urban Development sole responsibility for setting efficiency standards, which was the case before Congress gave DOE authority in a 2007 law. The legislation would also nullify 2022 standards DOE set on such homes. The bill passed the House by a 263–147 vote.
“This bill in no way diminishes the importance of energy efficiency,” said Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio), chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy. “It simply ensures HUD, under its affordability mission, is the authoritative voice for consumers, and that consumers continue to be protected through HUD’s existing process.”
The legislation follows controversy over DOE that would require manufactured homes to include additional insulation and tighter air sealing. The agency has since delayed implementation of those standards.
