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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today released a new analysis finding that nationwide adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) would significantly increase housing construction costs and burden American families with costly Green New Scam mandates. DOE’s analysis found that the 2024 IECC would increase residential construction costs by more than $9.2 billion annually compared to the 2006 code levels, adding more than $127 billion in cumulative costs nationwide.
If states choose to update their energy codes to the 2024 IECC, construction costs for a typical single-family home could increase by as much as $14,000. These costly mandates force American families to pay thousands of dollars more upfront for a new home, while projected energy savings may take decades to materialize. In most states, estimated payback periods exceed 10 years, with some exceeding 20 years—locking American families into decades-long repayment timeframes and restricting consumer choice.
“American families should not be forced to pay more for a home because of nonsensical energy-related mandates,” said U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright. “For too long, climate activists have pushed regulations that increase housing costs, reduce consumer choice, and make it harder for Americans to build and own a home. Thankfully, President Trump will continue fighting for the American people so they can enjoy affordable energy access and the ability to buy the home they desire with the features they choose.”
“This analysis shows how unnecessary regulations and ineffective building codes have drastically increased housing costs with little to no benefit for homeowners or communities,” said Assistant Secretary of Energy (EERE) Audrey Robertson. “An average payback period of 11 years—as long as 22 years in some cases—for new residential building codes is unacceptable. Standard-setting bodies should take note: we prioritize the American homeowner and will not allow erroneous building requirements to push homeownership out of reach.”
In a letter to the ICC, DOE urged the organization to refocus its code-development processes on affordability, transparency, and fuel-neutral energy efficiency. DOE also encouraged the ICC to omit requirements for onsite energy generation, electric vehicle infrastructure, and greenhouse gas avoidance that increase construction costs, lengthen payback periods, and reduce consumer choice.
The Energy Department remains committed to working with states, builders, and industry stakeholders to eliminate costly Green New Scam mandates that increase housing costs, restrict consumer choice, and place unnecessary burdens on American families. Under President Trump’s leadership, DOE will continue implementing Executive Order, Removing Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Home Construction, to put homeowners first and allow Americans to decide how to build and power their homes.
DOE has issued a Request for Information to seek input on its methodology for assessing consumer impacts associated with building energy codes.
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