Business View - March 2015 23
The measure also stipulates that the Department of
Energy would serve as a technical advisor in the devel-
opment of energy codes and prohibit the agency from
advocating for certain technologies, building materials
or construction practices.
This would help code officials make more informed de-
cisions and result in cost-effective code change pro-
posals, according to Woods.
Specifically, the bill would ensure that all Department
of Energy code change proposals are: Made available
to the public, including calculations on costs and sav-
ings; Subject to the official rulemaking process, allow-
ing for public comment; and Taking into account small
business concerns.
“Our clients are interested in energy efficiency, but
they deserve to know exactly what they are paying for,”
said Ed Zarb, president of Zarb Homes based in Knox-
ville, Tenn. “No one should be forced to use expensive
materials that they cannot afford. This bill will ensure
that the department of energy is working on behalf of
the home buyer and curtail the influence of outside
groups that seek to advance energy code proposals
with little regard to the costs for home owners and
home builders.”
NAHB will work with lawmakers to advance the bill in
the House and seek the introduction of companion
legislation in the Senate.
CONSTRUCTION
