Affordable HOMES Act
Affordable HOMES Act
Plain Language Summary
# Affordable HOMES Act Summary **What the bill does:** The Affordable HOMES Act would cancel energy efficiency rules that the Department of Energy created for manufactured homes (also called mobile homes). These rules, finalized in May 2022, required manufacturers to meet certain energy conservation standards. If passed, the bill would prevent the DOE from creating similar regulations in the future. Instead, the DOE could only make suggestions to the Housing and Urban Development Department about energy standards, but couldn't enforce them. **Who it affects:** This primarily impacts manufactured housing manufacturers, sellers, and buyers. Supporters argue it helps keep manufactured homes more affordable by reducing production costs from efficiency upgrades.
Critics contend it could increase utility costs for residents and reduce energy savings. The bill also affects consumers looking for affordable housing options, since manufactured homes are often cheaper than traditional homes. **Current status:** The bill passed the House of Representatives. Like all legislation, it would need to pass the Senate and be signed by the President to become law. The bill reflects a debate over balancing housing affordability against environmental and long-term cost considerations—supporters prioritize lower upfront costs, while opponents worry about higher energy bills for residents over time.
CRS Official Summary
Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act or the Affordable HOMES ActThis bill rescinds Department of Energy (DOE) energy efficiency regulations applicable to manufactured housing and eliminates DOE’s authority to issue similar regulations. Specifically, the bill rescinds the DOE final rule titled Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing and published on May 31, 2022.Under the bill, DOE may provide recommendations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development for revisions to energy conservation standards applicable to manufactured housing. These recommendations must comply with criteria established by the bill, including by being based on the determination of the cost-effectiveness of such revision.
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.