Builders urge immediate action on energy code compliance following Initiative 2066 passage
November 18, 2024
The Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) called on the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) to take immediate action to bring the state’s energy codes into compliance with Initiative 2066. Under the Washington State Constitution, the initiative becomes law on Dec. 5, 2024.
Passed by voters, I-2066 invalidates parts of the 2021 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) that discourage and penalize the use of natural gas in home heating and water systems.
Immediate action needed
In a letter to the Council last week, BIAW outlined two viable solutions for the Council:
- Revert to the 2015 WSEC, the last legal code iteration where natural gas heating was not penalized or discouraged.
- Adopt the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) via emergency rulemaking, ensuring compliance through amendments that provide a legal performance pathway for natural gas systems.
“Penalizing natural gas use has driven up housing costs and placed unnecessary burdens on builders and homeowners,” said BIAW Executive Vice President Greg Lane. “The people of Washington have spoken, and we expect the Council to act swiftly to ensure energy codes reflect the will of voters and the law.”
Emergency rulemaking critical
BIAW urged the council to engage in emergency rulemaking to avoid compliance lapses and housing project delays. Once they enact emergency rules, the Council can begin a permanent rulemaking process to establish long-term energy code standards.
The council met on Friday to discuss the letter, among other things. They then tabled the letter for further discussion.
“If the Council fails to act, BIAW will pursue legal action to enforce full compliance with I-2066,” Lane said.
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The Building Industry Association of Washington is the voice of the housing industry with more than 8,200 member companies. Washington’s largest trade association, BIAW promotes and protects the building industry so more families can enjoy the American Dream of homeownership. Learn more at: www.biaw.com