Technical corrections only. The two versions of H.R. 5184 are substantively identical, with v4 reflecting the bill's referral to the Senate and the addition of the Clerk's name. No substantive policy changes were made between v3 and v4.
Affordable HOMES Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 12, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to reduce regulatory burdens on manufactured housing by repealing current energy efficiency standards and requiring future recommendations to prioritize affordability and construction realities.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to significantly alter the Department of Energy's (DOE) role in setting energy conservation standards for manufactured homes. It repeals the existing DOE final rule on these standards and revises the criteria for future recommendations to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), emphasizing cost-effectiveness, initial purchase price impact, and unique manufactured home construction considerations. The bill also removes DOE's direct authority to establish standards if HUD fails to act.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that the current energy conservation standards for manufactured homes impose undue costs, making affordable housing less accessible for many families. They contend that the bill ensures future standards are cost-effective, consider the unique aspects of manufactured home construction, and do not significantly increase the initial purchase price, thereby protecting access to affordable housing.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that repealing existing energy conservation standards and weakening future criteria would lead to less energy-efficient manufactured homes, increasing long-term operating costs for homeowners and contributing to higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. They might contend that energy efficiency is crucial for reducing utility bills and promoting environmental sustainability.
The bill is very short and clear, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)(1)
Revision of DOE's Authority to Recommend Standards
This provision modifies the language regarding the Secretary of Energy's ability to recommend revisions to energy conservation standards for manufactured homes. It changes the previous mandatory requirement for the Secretary to establish standards to a discretionary authority to 'may transmit' recommendations for revisions to existing HUD standards. This shifts DOE's role from a direct standard-setter to an advisory body.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this change appropriately places the primary standard-setting authority with HUD, which has direct oversight over manufactured housing, and makes DOE's role advisory, preventing potentially burdensome mandates.
Critics contend
Critics might argue this weakens the federal government's ability to drive energy efficiency improvements in manufactured housing, potentially leading to lower standards and increased energy consumption.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances federal agency jurisdiction over energy standards versus housing affordability and construction realities, by making DOE's role advisory rather than mandatory.
Section 2(a)(2)
Criteria for Energy Standard Recommendations
This provision revises the criteria the Secretary of Energy must consider when making recommendations for energy conservation standards. New criteria include cost-effectiveness based on life cycle costs, the impact on the initial purchase price, unique factory construction techniques, climate zones, alternative energy performance methods, and estimated payback periods for any added costs arising from the standards. These criteria are intended to ensure recommendations are practical and affordable.
Section 2(a)(3)
Repeal of DOE's Direct Standard-Setting Authority
This provision removes subsection (c) from Section 413 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This subsection previously authorized the Secretary of Energy to establish energy conservation standards for manufactured housing if HUD failed to act on DOE's recommendations within a specified timeframe. Its removal eliminates DOE's direct regulatory power in this area, leaving HUD as the sole federal agency with standard-setting authority.
Section 2(b)
Nullification of Existing Energy Conservation Standards
This provision explicitly states that the Department of Energy's final rule titled 'Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing,' published on May 31, 2022, shall have no force or effect. This immediately repeals the current federal energy efficiency standards for manufactured homes that were established by DOE.