GOP SEN SCOTT: “BIDEN ADMIN’S NEW ENERGY REQUIREMENTS FOR MANUFACTURED HOMES TOO COSTLY”

South Carolina GOP Sen. Tim Scott says the Biden administration’s new energy efficiency standards will make homeownership more unreachable for lower-income families.

The standard, or rule, was issued by the Energy Department and will require single-and multi-section manufactured homes to have more energy-efficient windows and insulation- as part of “climate-change related changes” that could reportedly increase the price of such homes as much as $4,500…

Scott expressed his concerns in a letter Monday to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, saying he was disappointed by the rule and that he wanted it to be “appropriately tailored to ensure” housing remains as affordable as possible.

The rule is set to go into effect at the end of next month, nearly a year after its finalization.

Scott also said the increase in costs will “limit consumer choices” in the housing market.

In addition, he argued the estimated higher cost of such homes fails to include the expenses of the testing and enforcement of the new standards, which will likely, or at least in part, be passed onto consumers.

The department has acknowledged the new rule does not “fully” include such costs.

Scott concluded the letter by asking the administration to “immediately delay implementation of this rule to provide hard-working families relief.”

He also asked Granholm to “consider withdrawing this rule” altogether and to modify the regulations so as to not “irresponsibly contribute” to pricing Americans out of homeownership.
Editor’s Note: The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) has requested to delay compliance, largely to give time for clarity on “non-compliance and enforcement” and has sent a message to members encouraging them to contact the Energy Department on the matter.