Homebuilders Lawsuit Stalls Michigan Energy Efficiency Standards

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USA: Michigan’s plan to implement updated home energy efficiency standards is encountering further delays due to strong opposition from homebuilders. 

The proposed changes, already adopted by neighboring states, are projected to reduce energy costs for new homeowners by 10.7%, translating to about US$396 in annual utility savings, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Over a 30-year period, homeowners could save roughly US$7,300 through increased insulation and other energy-efficient construction requirements. 

However, a federal study estimates that adopting the new code could raise construction costs by up to US$5,000 per single-family home. Homebuilders argue that such costs could hinder efforts to expand affordable housing across the state. The updated standards, initially scheduled to take effect in August, have been put on hold due to a lawsuit filed in June by construction industry groups. The Home Builders Association of Michigan and the Michigan Manufactured Housing Association sued the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), claiming the proposed code is too expensive for builders and was introduced in violation of the state’s rulemaking process. 

Source: Michigan Energy Efficiency Standards by LARA