Energy

Washington Energy Codes Could Raise Costs for Homeowners and Builders

1w ago · 8:00

Washington state is moving forward with major updates to its residential and commercial energy codes, raising new concerns from homebuilders over construction costs, housing affordability, electrification and the future of natural gas in Washington homes. The Washington State Building Code Council is considering updates to the state's 2024 residential and commercial energy codes, with final adoption now targeted for November 20. The proposed Washington energy code changes continue to favor high-efficiency electric heat pumps for space and water heating as the state moves further toward electrification. The Building Industry Association of Washington says more than 150 businesses weighed in during the process, but industry representatives are questioning how seriously some of that public feedback is being considered. BIAW Government Affairs staffer Andrea Smiley also raised concerns about the potential impact of the new energy codes on builders, homeowners and Washington's already expensive housing market. The debate comes as the Washington Supreme Court has yet to issue a final ruling in the legal battle over Initiative 2066. Washington voters approved I-2066 to protect access to natural gas and other energy choices, but a King County Superior Court judge struck down the initiative. That case is now before the Washington State Supreme Court. Builders are questioning why Washington is moving ahead with additional energy-code changes affecting natural gas and electrification while the Initiative 2066 court fight remains unresolved. The issue could have significant implications for Washington housing costs, new home construction, natural gas appliances, heat pumps, home electrification and homeowners who could face expensive upgrades to older properties. The Building Industry Association of Washington is also urging Gov. Bob Ferguson to reduce regulatory barriers as communities rebuild following the devastating Spokane-area wildfires. The group says regulations, building codes and other requirements should not create unnecessary delays or additional costs for families attempting to rebuild. Watch for the latest on Washington energy codes, Initiative 2066, natural gas regulations, housing affordability, construction costs, Washington homebuilding, the State Building Code Council and the Washington Supreme Court. #WashingtonState #WashingtonPolitics #EnergyCodes #NaturalGas #Initiative2066 #HousingAffordability #HousingCosts #Homebuilding #WashingtonHousing #Electrification #Homeowners #WAPolitics #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus