NAHB Now: Statement

STATEMENT FROM NAHB CHAIRMAN

Chuck Fowke on ICC's Code Development Process

Chuck Fowke, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a custom home builder from Tampa, Fla., issued the following statement regarding the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s questions concerning the International Energy Conservation Code:

“We firmly reject any misleading insinuations by lawmakers that the National Association of Home Builders has engaged in any improper conduct or undue influence in its involvement in the development of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). A January 19 letter from House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) to the head of the IECC infers that NAHB is engaged in undue influence over the code development process. NAHB categorically denies this unfair assertion. Our industry is essential in the use of the codes and our members are the ones using them most directly and who know what works and what doesn't.

“While NAHB members participate on committees considering proposed changes to the IECC, they are not allowed to participate in final votes that are reserved for building code and government officials. When participating in model code development, home builders are not trying to prevent the adoption of new technology, the embrace of new materials or the promotion of energy efficiency. Rather, builders strive to prevent unreasonable, impractical or costly building code requirements that do not promote enhanced structural integrity, improved safety or provide a reasonable payback to the home owner.

“With the nation suffering a housing affordability crisis, NAHB will continue to participate with other stakeholders in the IECC development process to encourage the establishment of reasonable, practical and cost-effective building codes that do not needlessly raise housing costs.”