Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture released a final policy determination to update building energy codes for renters in low-income housing. The new codes will result in energy efficiency improvements of 37% and cut energy costs for residents by more than $950 per year. On top of reducing monthly costs, the new HUD/USDA building energy codes will lessen vulnerability to fuel price spikes, support the health, comfort, and safety of residents, and achieve long-term reductions in carbon emissions.
“Everyone wins” under Clean Energy for New Federal Buildings and Major Renovations of Federal Buildings standard
The International Code Council (ICC) announced yesterday that the final version of its new commercial and residential energy codes will not include widely popular and expert-backed provisions that would have reduced energy waste and pollution.
Today, the Department of Energy (DOE) released a final energy efficiency standard for stoves. The new standards will take effect in 2028 and, according to DOE, are projected to save Americans approximately $1.6 billion on their utility bills over 30 years.
***Contact Jonathon Berman for interviews or specific comments on COP28 proceedings***
A new Sierra Club shopper’s guide aims to help consumers easily identify home improvement products that qualify for energy efficiency tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The guide compiles information from Energy Star and the IRS into a user-friendly format that details what products are eligible and lays out steps to claim the credit come tax season. Heat pumps, exterior doors and windows, solar panels, and other products that update a home's electrical systems are some of the eligible items.
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) intervened to defend a Department of Energy (DOE) efficiency standard for commercial water heaters. The standard was finalized by DOE last month and the American Gas Association, the American Public Gas Association, and the National Propane Gas Association subsequently challenged the rule in an attempt to weaken the standard. NRDC was joined by Earthjustice and Sierra Club in filing the motion to intervene last night.
More than 70 climate, health and consumer organizations have called for utilities across the nation to leave the American Gas Association (AGA) over their efforts to block climate policies and proliferate disinformation about the health risks of gas stove pollution. AGA receives millions in annual dues from utilities across the country, primarily paid for through customer bills.
The Department of Energy (DOE) released its final rule setting Congressionally-mandated energy efficiency standards for gas furnaces, which will reduce air pollution and lower gas utility bills by $1.5 billion annually. The standard, which had not been meaningfully updated since it was first set by Congress in 1987, will apply to new gas furnaces on the market starting in 2028.
A new report released by Sierra Club, Physicians for Social Responsibility, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice demonstrates the climate, health, and environmental justice concerns posed by outdoor air pollution from buildings, a source that is largely overlooked and unregulated.
Washington, DC - Sierra Club members and supporters submitted more than 6,000 comments urging the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to finalize and implement a policy determination to update building energy codes for renters in low-income housing, which could save residents over 35% in energy costs.
On July 29, the Department of Energy (DOE) released guidance for states to apply for new Home Energy Rebates Program funding.