Affordable HOMES Act Eliminates Federal Energy Efficiency Standards for Manufactured Housing, Voids 2022 Rule

The aptly named Affordable HOMES Act is short, but its impact on the housing market and your wallet could be significant. This legislation immediately repeals the federal government’s authority to set energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing, commonly known as mobile homes. Specifically, Section 2 of the Act strikes Section 413 from the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, wiping out the legal basis for these federal standards. Furthermore, the bill explicitly voids the Department of Energy’s final rule on energy conservation standards for manufactured housing that was published on May 31, 2022. This means any current or planned federal efficiency mandates for new mobile homes are now off the table.

The Trade-Off: Upfront Cost vs. Utility Bills

The immediate effect of this bill is the removal of a regulatory cost for manufacturers. The argument is that by eliminating the requirement to build in energy-saving features—like better insulation, more efficient windows, or high-efficiency HVAC systems—the upfront cost of a manufactured home will drop, making it more “affordable” to purchase. This could benefit manufacturers by streamlining production and potentially lowering initial sales prices.

Who Pays the Price Down the Line?

While the purchase price might tick down, the long-term cost of living in these homes is likely to climb for the people who buy them. Energy efficiency standards exist to reduce the amount of electricity or gas needed to heat and cool a home. Without these federal minimums, manufacturers are free to build homes that are less efficient. For a family in a manufactured home, especially those on a fixed or limited income, higher utility bills are a major financial stressor. This policy essentially trades a potential one-time savings on the purchase price for higher, recurring monthly expenses for the resident, which can easily erode any initial savings over the lifespan of the home.

Rolling Back Consumer Protection

This legislation removes a key consumer protection. When you buy a new home, you expect certain baseline standards for safety and performance; energy efficiency standards were part of that baseline, designed to protect homeowners from excessive utility costs. By voiding the 2022 rule and eliminating the underlying authority, the bill removes a layer of federal oversight aimed at promoting energy conservation. This shift could disproportionately affect the millions of Americans who rely on manufactured housing as an essential, affordable housing option, leaving them vulnerable to poorly insulated, drafty homes that cost a fortune to keep comfortable.