SR882: SR882 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; urge

26 LC 64 0110S 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 International1 Energy Conservation Code in order to protect housing affordability and maintain the current2 energy code framework of this state; and for other purposes.3 WHEREAS, access to safe, decent, and affordable housing is essential to economic stability4 and the quality of life of the citizens of this state; and5 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is currently experiencing significant housing affordability6 challenges, with rising construction costs contributing to increased home prices and reduced7 home ownership opportunities; and8 WHEREAS, the Department of Community Affairs is considering ado ption of the 20249 International Energy Conservation Code, which would impose new regulations affecting10 residential construction across the state; and11 WHEREAS, Georgia's current energy code, the 2015 International Energy Conservation12 Code with Georgia amendments, reflects a balance between energy efficiency and13 affordability appropriate for Georgia's climate; and14 - 1 - 26 LC 64 0110S WHEREAS, cost modeling for Georgia indicates that adoption of t he 2024 International15 Energy Conservation Code would increase construction costs by t housands of dollars per16 home; and17 WHEREAS, for every $1,000 increase in the price of a home more than 5,000 citizens of this18 state are priced out of the housing market, leading to compounded concerns about housing19 affordability; and 20 WHEREAS, Georgia's existing energy code aligns with or exceeds many neighboring states21 and allows for energy-conscious construction without imposing excessive costs; and22 WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of this sta te to avoid unnecessary23 regulations that increase housing costs during a time of significant affordability challenges.24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body25 urge the Department of Community Affairs to refrain from adopting the 2024 International26 Energy Conservation Code for residential construction and conti nue to use the 201527 International Energy Conservation Code.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed29 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the commissioner30 of community affairs and to the chairpersons of the State Codes Advisory Committee.31 - 2 -