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[h=1]Legislation governing Michigan's energy code could impact energy bills, cost of new home[/h]LANSING, MI — Lawmakers are considering changes to the way Michigan adopts construction codes, a move opponents say would cost homeowners thousands of dollars in higher energy costs.
House Bill 4561 would allow the state to decide whether or not it should update the residential construction code every three years or six years. Current law requires code updates every three years.
Supporters say that some energy efficiency code updates force unnecessary expenses on builders, causing new home costs to rise. They also say construction codes unfairly favor manufacturers of certain building materials over others.
The House voted 68 to 39 to pass the bill last December. It passed a Senate committee but has not gone to a vote.
Opponents, which include chemical and manufacturing trade groups, are campaigning against the bill in case it comes up for a vote during the last few weeks of this year’s legislative session.
The Energy Efficient Codes Coalition in Washington, D.C. sponsored a radio ad urging residents to ask their lawmakers to vote no on the measure.
“Enacting HB 4561 is going to result in new homes that are less efficient, less safe, and cost thousands of dollars more to maintain than they would if the state’s codes were updated on a regular three-year cycle as they have been for decades,” said William Fay, the coalition’s director.
Fay said Michigan homeowners would save an average of $10,081 in energy costs over 30 years under the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), compared to the state’s current energy code.
Certain chemical and manufacturing companies in Michigan stand to gain from updated codes that require use of their products.
“Not only do building owners and occupants in the state benefit by the 2012 IECC, but also those who employ people at manufacturing facilities will benefit as well,” Fay said.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Haveman, R-Holland, doesn’t necessarily mean the state will wait six years before adopting a new code, but it offers the option to do so. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs would hold a public meeting to discuss whether the new code should be updated.
“(Haveman) really believes that this takes unnecessary regulations off of small construction business and does not sacrifice residential quality or energy efficiency,” said Rami Haddad, Haveman’s legislative director.
Energy codes are subject to manipulation by manufacturers seeking to increase their market share or decrease their competitor’s market share, said Lee Schwartz, Home Builders Association of Michigan's executive vice president for government relations.
Schwartz added that nothing prevents builders from using products and techniques required in newer codes even if it’s not adopted by the state.
Email Melissa Anders at manders@mlive.com. Follow her on Twitter:@MelissaDAnders.
Legislation governing Michigan's energy code could impact energy bills, cost of new home | MLive.com
House Bill 4561 would allow the state to decide whether or not it should update the residential construction code every three years or six years. Current law requires code updates every three years.
Supporters say that some energy efficiency code updates force unnecessary expenses on builders, causing new home costs to rise. They also say construction codes unfairly favor manufacturers of certain building materials over others.
The House voted 68 to 39 to pass the bill last December. It passed a Senate committee but has not gone to a vote.
Opponents, which include chemical and manufacturing trade groups, are campaigning against the bill in case it comes up for a vote during the last few weeks of this year’s legislative session.
The Energy Efficient Codes Coalition in Washington, D.C. sponsored a radio ad urging residents to ask their lawmakers to vote no on the measure.
“Enacting HB 4561 is going to result in new homes that are less efficient, less safe, and cost thousands of dollars more to maintain than they would if the state’s codes were updated on a regular three-year cycle as they have been for decades,” said William Fay, the coalition’s director.
Fay said Michigan homeowners would save an average of $10,081 in energy costs over 30 years under the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), compared to the state’s current energy code.
Certain chemical and manufacturing companies in Michigan stand to gain from updated codes that require use of their products.
“Not only do building owners and occupants in the state benefit by the 2012 IECC, but also those who employ people at manufacturing facilities will benefit as well,” Fay said.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Joe Haveman, R-Holland, doesn’t necessarily mean the state will wait six years before adopting a new code, but it offers the option to do so. The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs would hold a public meeting to discuss whether the new code should be updated.
“(Haveman) really believes that this takes unnecessary regulations off of small construction business and does not sacrifice residential quality or energy efficiency,” said Rami Haddad, Haveman’s legislative director.
Energy codes are subject to manipulation by manufacturers seeking to increase their market share or decrease their competitor’s market share, said Lee Schwartz, Home Builders Association of Michigan's executive vice president for government relations.
Schwartz added that nothing prevents builders from using products and techniques required in newer codes even if it’s not adopted by the state.
Email Melissa Anders at manders@mlive.com. Follow her on Twitter:@MelissaDAnders.
Legislation governing Michigan's energy code could impact energy bills, cost of new home | MLive.com
