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American Chemistry Council Statement on House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Hearing

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Matthew Kastner
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Energy Energy Codes

WASHINGTON, DC (October 24, 2023) — Today the House Energy and Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, & Grid Security will consider and markup a package of 17 pieces of legislation, including H.R.__, the Affordable HOMES Act. The following statement may be attributed to Ross Eisenberg, president of America’s Plastic Makers®:

“The Affordable HOMES legislation would have the unfortunate effect of precluding the Department of Energy from updating and implementing bipartisan energy efficiency standards in manufactured housing that would help homeowners keep volatile energy costs in check.

“Recognizing the need to reduce energy waste in these homes, Congress—in a bipartisan energy bill in 2007—directed DOE to develop and finalize a separate energy standard for manufactured homes by 2011 based on the most recent model energy code for site-built homes (now the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code). Approximately 6.8 million manufactured homes are used as residences in the United States; in 2021, 105,772 new manufactured homes were shipped, about 7% of all new homes.

“State or municipal building energy codes cover most new home construction, but the federal government regulates manufactured homes, which are made in facilities that may ship to multiple states. The Department of Housing and Urban Development sets a building code for the homes, but it has not updated the energy provisions since 1994.

“More than ever, energy efficiency plays a critical role in conserving energy resources and saving taxpayers money on utilities, especially for those who are financially exposed to increased and volatile heating and cooling costs. Buyers of this important sector of housing would incur greater utility costs, the biggest costs to home buyers next to mortgages, if the legislation is enacted. By using the variety of high-performance plastic insulation materials that make homes more energy efficient, Americans can manage energy bills more effectively.

“We look forward to working with Members of Congress and the Committee to continue to retain energy efficiency in the built environment as a pillar in America’s comprehensive national energy policy.”

American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division

The American Chemistry Council’s Plastics Division represents America’s Plastic MakersSM and the half million+ scientists, engineers, technicians, and other innovators who make plastics for many essential and lifesaving products that are vital to modern life. America’s Plastic Makers continue to embrace change. We’re linking innovation with sustainability, deploying next generation technologies to make plastics lighter, stronger, more efficient and more recyclable, so we can meet our goal for 100% of U.S. plastic packaging to be reused, recycled, or recovered by 2040. We’re making sustainable change to help build a cleaner, safer, more sustainable future for generations to come. 

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.

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