Energy standards versus housing supply

A recurrent policy friction: tougher energy‑performance rules (applied at federal or local level) raise per‑unit construction costs and can slow or block production of low‑cost housing (notably manufactured and modular homes). That trade‑off forces an explicit choice between near‑term affordability and long‑term climate goals unless policy pairs standards with targeted subsidies, permitting waivers, or technology support. — This reframes climate regulation as a housing‑policy lever and demands integrated policymaking so decarbonization rules do not unintentionally price people out of shelter.