Risch Introduces Bill to Lower Cost of Housing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced the Affordable Housing Over Mandating Efficiency Standards (HOMES) Act to eliminate duplicative federal energy efficiency regulations on manufactured housing to reduce costs for homebuyers. “Homeownership is central to the American dream, and I am committed to making that a reality attainable for every hardworking Idahoan,” said Risch. “My Affordable HOMES Act will cut unnecessary federal regulations to help lower the price of manufactured housing as we continue to fight to keep the American dream within reach.” Currently, the Department of Energy and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have overlapping authority over energy efficiency standards, creating burdensome and costly regulations for manufacturers. Streamlining federal oversight to give HUD sole authority of energy standards is estimated to save an average of $4,222 per home. Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) in introducing the Affordable HOMES Act . The Affordable HOMES Act is supported by the Manufactured Housing Institute. “We thank Senator Risch for his leadership and his fellow co-sponsors for their support for manufactured housing and helping the millions of Americans seeking affordable homeownership. This bipartisan approach is a critical complement to the 21 st Century ROAD to Housing Act, to restore the regulatory clarity needed to improve access to and build more attainable homes. At a time when affordability issues are front and center for so many Americans, we encourage the Senate to take up this House-passed legislation quickly to boost meaningful opportunities for affordable home ownership,” said Lesli Gooch, CEO of the Manufactured Housing Institute.