U.S. House of Representatives votes to undo energy efficiency standards for manufactured homes

Energy efficiency saves energy, money, and lives in avoided pollution. But the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Affordable HOMES Act on January 9th, which would allow manufactured homes to be made with minimal insulation.

Specifically, the bill revokes the Department of Energy’s energy efficiency standards for new manufactured homes. It would leave in place only outdated 1994 codes that allow manufacturers to cut corners on insulation and air sealing—causing high utility bills. Families living in double-wide homes, would see an average annual energy bill increase of $475 due to the higher levels of energy waste in the less-well insulated homes according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

“If this bill passes the Senate, it will mean more energy waste and higher utility bills for residents of manufactured homes,” said Caitlin Soch, Clean Energy Associate for Environment America.

This bill is not the only legislation under consideration that undercuts energy efficiency measures. Learn more about another pending bill that would go even further and take action to stand up for energy efficiency by emailing your member of Congress here.