KPLU Local News
(2009-11-24)
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OLYMPIA, WA
(N3) -
New homes built in Washington State will be required to be more energy efficient starting next year. But the more stringent energy code may touch off a legislative battle before it takes effect. Home builders and Republican lawmakers are upset over added construction costs. KPLU's Tom Banse reports.
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For more information:
Washington State Building Code Council
Building Industry Association of Washington
NW Energy Coalition
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Washington Governor Chris Gregoire asked for a tougher building code to reduce energy use by 30 percent. Combatting global warming was on her mind, just like it was when Oregon did this about a year ago. The Washington Building Code Council voted 8 to 4 to require greater insulation, energy saving lights, and testing for escaped air, among other things. Council managing director Tim Nogler says estimates of the cost impact per home vary widely.
Tim Nogler: "We had several of our homebuilders and homebuilders associations that are involved in our process estimate somewhere between $10,000 up to $20,000 for all of the measures that were in the proposed rule."
Nogler says the state calculates a much lower cost, in the range of two and a half to three thousand dollars extra for the average new home. The new energy code has to sit through a legislative session before it takes effect so lawmakers can make changes if they want. Republicans, who are in the minority in Olympia, have already voiced complaints. I'm Tom Banse reporting. © Copyright 2012, N3
