An overhaul of the energy efficiency standards for new construction.

The NC Building Code Council last week voted to delay until December action on an overhaul of the energy efficiency standards for new construction.

In the meantime, staff were directed to complete its review of updated studies confirming the strong net savings to consumers (including homeowners) of the modernized standards. A competing proposal to delay any changes for a decade will be the subject of public hearings in September.

The vote to postpone action seems clearly in response to the possibility of negative legislative action on the issue. The politically powerful (and major campaign donor) business group NC Home Builders Association has kept up a continuing campaign of misleading claims regarding the costs of the new standards. House Bill 488, which would bar any related code changes until 2031, has passed the state House and is waiting for consideration in a state Senate committee.

Environmental and clean energy groups urge action now on the new, more energy-efficient standards for new construction. For a more in-depth summary of the issues involved, see this article by WFAE climate reporter David Boraks, who has been following the debates on this issue at the Building Code Council and the state legislature this year.