Affordable HOMES Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 23, 2026
Bottom line
This bill shifts authority for manufactured housing energy efficiency standards from the Department of Energy to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, emphasizing affordability and cost-effectiveness in any future recommendations while nullifying a specific DOE rule.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to prohibit the Department of Energy (DOE) from enforcing energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing. Instead, it allows the Secretary of Energy to recommend revisions to existing energy conservation standards set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), with criteria emphasizing cost-effectiveness and initial purchase price impact. The bill also explicitly nullifies DOE's 2022 final rule on energy conservation standards for manufactured housing.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill prevents new, potentially costly DOE energy efficiency standards from increasing the initial purchase price of manufactured homes, thereby preserving affordability for low-income buyers. They contend that HUD is the more appropriate agency to set these standards, given its focus on housing affordability and its existing regulatory framework for manufactured housing, ensuring that regulations do not inadvertently price out potential homeowners.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that prohibiting DOE from enforcing energy efficiency standards would lead to less energy-efficient manufactured homes, increasing long-term utility costs for homeowners and contributing to higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. They might contend that DOE's technical expertise is crucial for setting robust energy standards that benefit both consumers and the environment, and that the 2022 rule was designed to provide significant energy savings.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing for quick comprehension of its core purpose.
Section 2(a), amending Section 413 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Redefining DOE's Authority on Manufactured Housing Energy Standards
This provision removes the Department of Energy's direct authority to establish and enforce energy efficiency standards for manufactured housing. Instead, it allows the Secretary of Energy only to recommend revisions to the existing energy conservation standards set by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These recommendations must consider cost-effectiveness, the impact on initial purchase price, factory construction techniques, climate zones, alternative energy performance methods, and estimated payback periods for any added costs.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this ensures that energy efficiency standards for manufactured homes are developed with a primary focus on affordability, preventing regulations that could price out potential homeowners. They believe HUD is better equipped to balance energy goals with housing accessibility, given its existing role in regulating manufactured housing.
Critics contend
Opponents would contend that this change undermines efforts to improve energy efficiency in manufactured homes, leading to higher utility bills for residents over the lifespan of the home and increasing the carbon footprint of the housing sector. They would argue that DOE's technical expertise is essential for setting effective energy standards that provide long-term benefits.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of housing affordability (lower initial purchase price) against the goal of energy efficiency (lower long-term operating costs and environmental benefits). It also addresses a jurisdictional tension between DOE and HUD regarding the appropriate agency to set these standards.
Section 2(b)
Repeal of DOE's 2022 Manufactured Housing Energy Conservation Standards
This subsection explicitly states that the Department of Energy's final rule, 'Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Manufactured Housing' (published May 31, 2022), will have no legal force or effect. This directly prevents the implementation of the specific energy efficiency standards that DOE had previously finalized for manufactured homes.