Rep. Lehman presents resolution asking DCA to pause adoption of 2024 energy code amid affordability concerns

Representative Lehman presented House Resolution 17‑92 to the rules committee, asking the Department of Community Affairs to pause adoption of the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code while lawmakers consider housing‑affordability pressures. "The savings that we've calculated look to be about a 140 to maybe $400 per year," Lehman said, noting the long‑term energy savings could exist but arguing that increased construction costs make the update infeasible in the current housing market.

Committee members questioned whether the code would yield net benefits. A fellow member asked whether the update would ensure greater energy savings for new houses; Lehman replied it was a possibility but that the additional upfront cost would likely offset projected annual savings. When asked about the last time DCA updated its standards, Lehman said he believed the department's previous update was in 2015.

The exchange underscored the trade‑off lawmakers described between short‑term housing affordability and potential long‑term utility savings. The resolution, as described in committee, requests a temporary pause by DCA to allow the legislature to examine housing cost impacts before the agency adopts the 2024 model code; the transcript does not record a committee vote on HR 17‑92 or next procedural steps for the resolution.

Committee staff and members also noted there may be broader state‑level policy and implementation questions—such as how code changes affect construction costs, financing, and qualifying criteria for housing programs—that would factor into any decision about adopting the new code. The meeting continued with other calendar business after the discussion.