The Missouri House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 939, sponsored by Representative Mike Jones of District 12 near Kansas City. The bill specifically aims to prevent local authorities from imposing or maintaining green building standards if they result in increased construction costs, including aspects such as energy-efficient glazing and doors. This legislation targets various building types, encompassing single-family homes, multi-unit residences, and commercial buildings. The primary motivation behind this legislative move is to address the state’s affordable housing crisis by ensuring green energy mandates do not further inflate home prices, which have escalated significantly, reaching a median of $459,000.
Impacts of Green Building Standards on Construction Costs
Examining the Kansas City Example
Proponents of House Bill 939 often cite Kansas City’s adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) as a pivotal factor influencing their stance. They argue the introduction of these energy standards led to a 54% plunge in building permits and a notable decrease in active builders within a year. While subsequent reports indicated a 49% permit increase after one year, proponents maintain the mandates excessively elevate costs. According to them, the financial benefits associated with these green standards are minimal, considering it could take up to 90 years to break even on the energy savings.
The bill seeks to revert energy standards to those specified in the 2009 International Residential Code and Energy Conservation Code, rather than adhering to Missouri’s current 2018 International Building Code. Supporters emphasize the immediate necessity of controlling building costs to facilitate affordable housing development and ensure middle-income families can continue to access the housing market without facing prohibitive costs.
Arguments for and Against the Bill
Meanwhile, critics of House Bill 939, such as Alison Lindburg from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, assert that this measure regresses Missouri’s building codes by more than 15 years, neglecting the advances in energy-efficient practices that have emerged over time. These advancements have reportedly become more cost-effective and offer improved long-term returns. Lindburg and other detractors emphasize the environmental and financial detriments of rolling back green building standards, particularly in light of contemporary climate imperatives.
A comprehensive analysis by the United States Department of Energy supports the critics’ position, highlighting that adopting the 2021 IECC could yield substantial financial benefits. This includes annual utility savings of $657 per occupant and significant reductions in carbon emissions. The debate thus underscores the intricate balance between immediate economic pressures and the benefits of long-term sustainability and cost savings.
Navigating the Path Forward for Missouri
Balancing Immediate and Long-Term Goals
House Bill 939 represents a notable rollback in green building standards in Missouri, chiefly driven by concerns related to rising housing costs and affordability challenges. While proponents emphasize the need to control building expenses to address immediate housing market pressures, critics counter by underlining the importance of sustainability and future cost efficiencies. This legislative development brings to the forefront the persistent tension between short-term economic pressures and the imperative of long-term environmental and financial gains.
Proponents of the bill stress consumer choice and affordability, arguing that imposing stringent green standards limits the ability of homeowners and builders to make cost-effective decisions. They argue that a rollback to earlier codes provides flexibility, stimulating the housing market and making it easier for developers to proceed with new projects without facing prohibitive costs.
Future Considerations
The Missouri House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 939, introduced by Representative Mike Jones of District 12, near Kansas City. This bill is aimed at preventing local governments from enforcing or keeping green building standards if these standards result in increased construction costs. This includes building aspects such as energy-efficient windows and doors. The legislation addresses a variety of building types, including single-family homes, multi-family residences, and commercial structures. The main goal behind this legislative initiative is to tackle the state’s affordable housing crisis. The lawmakers want to ensure that mandates for green energy do not make homes even more expensive. Currently, home prices have soared significantly, with the median price reaching $459,000. The bill seeks to make homes more affordable for residents across Missouri by curbing additional costs imposed by green building regulations.
