New Washington Energy Rules Could Increase Home Prices by Tens of Thousands

The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) is urging residents to weigh in before the deadline on proposed State Building Code Council (SBCC) energy code updates. Builders argue the proposed changes would further discourage natural gas, increase electrification requirements, and add $1,000–$1,500 or more to the cost of building a new home while increasing long-term electricity demand. The debate also comes as Washington's Supreme Court considers the future of Initiative 2066, which voters approved to preserve natural gas as an energy choice. In this report: Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) hearing Proposed 2024–2026 energy code updates Natural gas vs. electrification Housing affordability concerns Initiative 2066 legal challenge Public comment deadline #WashingtonPolitics #BuildingCodes #HousingCosts #NaturalGas #EnergyCode #HousingAffordability #WashingtonState #BIAW #CenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus