The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism offered the following
substitute to SR 882:
A RESOLUTION
Urging the Department of Community Affairs to refrain from adopting the 2024 International
Energy Conservation Code in order to protect housing affordability and maintain the current
energy code framework of this state; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, access to safe, decent, and affordable housing is essential to economic stability
and the quality of life of the citizens of this state; and
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is currently experiencing significant housing affordability
challenges, with rising construction costs contributing to increased home prices and reduced
home ownership opportunities; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Community Affairs is considering adoption of the 2024
International Energy Conservation Code, which would impose new regulations affecting
residential construction across the state; and
WHEREAS, Georgia's current energy code, the 2015 International Energy Conservation
Code with Georgia amendments, reflects a balance between energy efficiency and
affordability appropriate for Georgia's climate; and
WHEREAS, cost modeling for Georgia indicates that adoption of the 2024 International
Energy Conservation Code would increase construction costs by thousands of dollars per
home; and
WHEREAS, for every $1,000 increase in the price of a home more than 5,000 citizens of this
state are priced out of the housing market, leading to compounded concerns about housing
affordability; and
WHEREAS, Georgia's existing energy code aligns with or exceeds many neighboring states
and allows for energy-conscious construction without imposing excessive costs; and
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of this state to avoid unnecessary
regulations that increase housing costs during a time of significant affordability challenges.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
urge the Department of Community Affairs to refrain from adopting the 2024 International
Energy Conservation Code for residential construction and continue to use the 2015
International Energy Conservation Code.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the commissioner
of community affairs and to the chairpersons of the State Codes Advisory Committee.