Little-known international NGO finalizing building code forcing US homes to be green
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International NGO Set to Revolutionize US Housing with Mandatory Green Building Standards

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An international body responsible for creating model codes and standards for new buildings is on the verge of introducing an energy conservation code. Critics argue this code is a covert attempt to push climate change initiatives, potentially leading to increased housing costs. The International Code Council (ICC), based in Washington, D.C., issues numerous codes that affect new construction worldwide, impacting billions. The 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) is set to be finalized soon. Unlike its predecessors, this version has faced significant criticism for focusing more on climate change initiatives than on energy efficiency.

Karen Harbert, the president and CEO of the American Gas Association (AGA), expressed concerns to Fox News Digital. She stated that the new code favors electrification, sidelining the natural gas industry and displaying anti-competitive behavior. Harbert emphasized that energy efficiency should be the goal, regardless of the energy source. However, the code prescribes a specific path to efficiency, focusing solely on electrification.

The AGA, representing natural gas services to 180 million customers nationwide, criticized the ICC for developing the 2024 energy efficiency code without proper involvement from stakeholders. They argued that this approach could harm consumers by driving up costs. Several energy industry associations, housing groups, and the ICC’s own Northeast regional branch have appealed for a revision of the 2024 IECC. Despite these appeals, the ICC’s appeals board recommended rejecting them, leaving the final decision to the board of directors, expected soon.

The draft IECC has been in development for years and includes requirements for new residential buildings to support electric vehicle chargers and solar panel systems, along with all-electric appliances. The AGA mentioned that these measures were part of a package added in September 2022 after being initially rejected.

Harbert highlighted the efforts of activists pushing for an all-electrification agenda, noting their attempts to ban natural gas at various levels. She described the IECC process as a less visible, technical approach with the same objectives, indicating a strategic move to achieve their goals through different means.

Other organizations, including the American Public Gas Association, the Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), and the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), also filed appeals against the 2024 IECC. They expressed concerns that the code could threaten housing affordability and burden renters with costs for technologies they might not want or use.

The ICC’s Region IV branch warned of the potential economic impacts of the 2024 IECC. Meanwhile, ICC CEO Dominic Sims highlighted the code as a crucial tool for achieving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Jennifer Amann, a senior fellow at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, supported the code, stating it would reduce energy waste, lower utility bills, and decrease pollution.

The debate over the energy conservation code is part of a broader movement by environmental organizations to electrify the residential and commercial sector, aiming to reduce carbon emissions. This effort includes attempts to replace gas-powered appliances with electric alternatives. The Biden administration has introduced regulations to make home appliances more efficient and allocated funds to help local jurisdictions implement the ICC’s IECC.

The ICC did not comment, and the Department of Energy had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.