Lawmakers
are continuing consideration of diverse energy legislation this week, which
included a House Committee hearing discussing the “Energy Savings and Building Efficiency Act” on June 3. The
hearing, in part, also examined a solution to newly proposed furnace efficiency
standards that could pose significant retrofit barriers in apartment
communities. The multifamily industry supports efforts to help owners and
managers improve the energy performance of their properties. However, we oppose
accomplishing energy efficiency through burdensome building codes or other
regulatory mandates.
NMHC/NAA have long-sought some of the provisions in the House bill. They
include provisions to better define the Department of Energy’s (DOE) role in
building code development, help ensure that DOE-supported proposals are
cost-effective, and reinforce the department’s role as a technical
advisor.
