H.R.75 - Helping Owners with Unaffordable Shoddy Edicts Act of 2025; HOUSE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.75, also known as the HOUSE Act of 2025, aims to require the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Secretary of Agriculture to withdraw a final determination related to energy efficiency standards for housing. The bill also restricts the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Federal Housing Finance Agency from implementing similar energy efficiency standards. It further amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act regarding state energy efficiency standards.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.75 would prevent the implementation and enforcement of stricter federal energy efficiency standards for new construction of HUD- and USDA-financed housing. This could lead to lower upfront construction costs but potentially higher long-term energy costs for homeowners. States would have greater flexibility in setting their own energy efficiency standards.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower construction costs for new housing.
- Increased flexibility for states in setting energy efficiency standards.
- Reduced regulatory burden on builders and developers.
- May lead to more affordable housing options in the short term.
- Prevents federal overreach into state energy policies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially higher long-term energy costs for homeowners due to less efficient housing.
- Reduced incentive for energy-efficient construction practices.
- May hinder progress towards national energy conservation goals.
- Could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- May negatively impact the environment due to increased energy consumption.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily related to the balance of power between the federal government and the states. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, but the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states. This bill seeks to limit federal regulation in favor of state control over energy efficiency standards. The bill does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).