North Dakota Congresswoman Blasts Green Energy Agenda, Cites Skyrocketing Home Prices

Strategic Insights -

As the housing market in North Dakota continues to struggle with affordability, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) is criticizing the Biden administration's green energy agenda for driving up the cost of home construction. At a recent Energy Subcommittee hearing, Fedorchak highlighted the skyrocketing prices of new homes in North Dakota, which can increase by as much as $31,000 due to costly energy code mandates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rep. Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) questioned the Biden administration's adoption of green energy code mandates, citing their impact on housing affordability in North Dakota.
  • The 2021 International Energy Conservation Code can add up to $31,000 to the cost of a home in North Dakota, according to the North Dakota Home Builders Association.
  • The code mandates are driven by a "rush-to-green" building codes that prioritize environmental considerations over cost-efficient home construction.
  • The costly code mandates can take up to 90 years for homeowners to recoup, making them unsustainable for many families.
  • The National Association of Home Builders advocates for states to have the freedom to establish their own building codes, rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all federal code.
  • Several states, including Texas, Washington, California, and North Carolina, have already adopted their own building codes, demonstrating that alternatives to the federal code are possible.

Statistics:

  • Home prices in North Dakota can increase by up to $31,000 due to the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code.
  • The code can take up to 90 years for homeowners to recoup, making it unsustainable for many families.
  • The National Association of Home Builders estimates that up to $22,000 can be added to the price of a home in North Dakota due to the code mandates.

Sources:

  • Fedorchak, L. (2023, September 11). Congresswoman Fedorchak Blasts Green Energy Agenda, Skyrocketing Home Prices in North Dakota. [Press Release]. Julie Fedorchak for Congress.
  • United States House of Representatives. (2023). Energy Subcommittee Hearing: Affordability in Appliance and Buildings Policies. [Video]. C-SPAN.
  • National Association of Home Builders. (2022). 2021 International Energy Conservation Code. [Document].
  • North Dakota Home Builders Association. (n.d.). Building Codes in North Dakota. [Website].