Overview
Title
To prohibit the Secretary of Energy from enforcing energy efficiency standards applicable to manufactured housing, and for other purposes.
ELI5 AI
Imagine there’s a rule that helps save energy in mobile homes, but this new bill wants to stop that rule from being used. This means people who make mobile homes don't have to follow those energy-saving rules anymore.
Summary AI
H.R. 6421, known as the “Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act” or the “Affordable HOMES Act,” aims to stop the Secretary of Energy from enforcing certain energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing. Specifically, it repeals the authority granted by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to establish these standards, and it nullifies a final rule published by the Department of Energy in May 2022 regarding energy conservation standards for manufactured homes. This bill was introduced by Mr. Bucshon and others and later referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Published
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AnalysisAI
The bill known as the "Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act" (or the "Affordable HOMES Act") is chiefly concerned with preventing the Secretary of Energy from implementing energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing. The proposed legislation seeks to amend existing law by repealing the authority provided in section 413 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Additionally, the bill aims to nullify a specific rule regarding energy conservation standards for manufactured housing that was published in the Federal Register in May 2022.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the primary issues identified with this bill is the removal of authority to establish and enforce energy efficiency standards for manufactured homes. By doing so, it may impact the progression of energy conservation policies, potentially leading to increased energy consumption and higher utility bills for homeowners. The bill’s language, particularly in the section nullifying a specific energy rule, appears abrupt and lacks substantial justification or analysis. This lack of explanation could raise questions about transparency and the decision-making process behind these legislative changes.
Another issue is the bill's focus on affordability as indicated by its title, yet it provides little detail on how the repeal of these standards would concretely improve housing affordability. This absence of information may lead to confusion regarding whether the Act’s intent aligns with promoting more affordable, albeit possibly less energy-efficient, housing options.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
On a broader level, removing energy efficiency standards could have mixed implications for the public. On one hand, the repeal may lead to lower upfront costs for manufactured housing, potentially making homeownership more accessible for some individuals. On the other hand, without these standards, homeowners may face higher long-term costs due to increased energy bills, potentially offsetting any initial savings.
For specific stakeholders, the impact of the bill could vary considerably. Manufacturers of homes might appreciate reduced regulatory burdens, which could encourage increased production and potentially lower costs. However, environmental advocates may express concerns regarding the rollback of standards that contribute to more sustainable housing practices. Additionally, energy companies might see increased consumption as a positive development, although it could lead to greater environmental impacts over time.
In conclusion, while the bill aims to impact the affordability of manufactured housing positively, the lack of detailed explanation leaves room for interpretation and speculation about its broader consequences. Stakeholders and the public may need to weigh immediate cost savings against long-term considerations of energy usage and sustainability.
Issues
The repeal of authority to establish standards for manufactured housing (Section 2) removes the Secretary of Energy's ability to enforce energy efficiency standards, which may have significant environmental and economic implications for energy consumption and utility costs in manufactured housing. This could lead to broader discussions about the importance of energy efficiency in policies and its impact on sustainability.
The language in Section 2 is abrupt and lacks justification or analysis, particularly subsection (b) which deems a specific rule to have no force or effect. This sudden legislative change without explanation may raise concerns among stakeholders and the public about transparency and the rationale behind such actions.
The section (Section 2) does not offer any insight into the potential impacts or benefits of repealing the standards, such as economic effects on the manufacturing industry, housing affordability, or consumer protection, leading to uncertainty and potential backlash from affected parties.
The short title (Section 1), "Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act" or "Affordable HOMES Act", suggests a focus on affordability, but lacks details that could clarify how the Act will specifically address housing costs, and whether it inadvertently promotes less energy-efficient but cheaper construction options. This lack of detail can obscure the bill's intentions and make it difficult to evaluate its potential effectiveness or consequences.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of the bill provides its short title, stating that it can be referred to as the “Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards Act” or the “Affordable HOMES Act.”
2. Repeal of authority to establish standards for manufactured housing Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
Congress is removing the authority to set standards for manufactured housing by eliminating section 413 from the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. Additionally, a specific rule about energy conservation standards for manufactured housing, published on May 31, 2022, will no longer have any effect.