Conservative Critics Warn International Code Council’s Energy Conservation Code will Lead to Higher Home Prices
The International Code Council (ICC), a Washington, D.C.-based organization that develops model codes and standards for new construction, is facing backlash over its 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Critics argue that the code, which is expected to be finalized next week, prioritizes climate initiatives over energy efficiency and will result in higher home prices.
Opponents of the code, including the American Gas Association (AGA), have raised concerns about the ICC’s exclusion of the natural gas industry from the code. Karen Harbert, the president and CEO of AGA, accused the ICC of engaging in “anticompetitive behavior” by incentivizing electrification and discriminating against the natural gas industry.
AGA, which represents natural gas service providers to 180 million customers nationwide, has criticized the ICC for not involving them in the development of the 2024 energy efficiency code. They argue that the code will harm consumers and lead to higher costs.
Other energy industry associations, housing groups, and the ICC’s own Northeast regional branch have also filed appeals asking for a revision to the 2024 IECC. However, the ICC’s appeals board recommended rejecting those appeals, leaving the final decision to the board of directors.
One of the provisions in the draft IECC that has drawn opposition is the requirement for new homes to install electrical infrastructure for home electric vehicle chargers and solar panel systems. Critics argue that these measures, along with others in the code, were included without proper due process and will increase costs for homebuyers.
Harbert expressed concern that activists pushing for an all-electrification agenda are using the code development process as a means to achieve their objectives. She argued that they have tried and failed to ban natural gas at the city and state levels, and are now attempting to do so through the code.
The ICC’s energy conservation code is administered by jurisdictions across 48 states and represents more than 119 million Americans. ICC CEO Dominic Sims has defended the code as an essential tool for achieving energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
Environmental organizations and Democrat-led local governments have been pushing for the electrification of the residential and commercial sector to reduce carbon emissions. This has led to efforts to ban natural gas hookups and replace gas-powered appliances with electric alternatives.
The Biden administration has also implemented regulations to make popular home appliances more efficient and has allocated $1 billion for grants to help implement the ICC’s IECC.
Critics of the ICC’s energy conservation code argue that it will lead to higher home prices and burden low-income families with additional costs. They believe that the code prioritizes climate initiatives over consumer affordability and choice.
The ICC’s board of directors is set to make the final decision on the 2024 IECC next week. As the debate continues, conservatives and industry groups are urging the ICC to reconsider the provisions in the code and ensure that it promotes energy efficiency without imposing unnecessary costs on homeowners.
