Representative Jeff Crank (CO-05) has introduced the Freeing Residential Affordable Markets from Excess Regulation (FRAMER) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. The proposed legislation aims to reduce home construction and homebuying costs by encouraging states to scale back energy codes that are stricter than federal standards.
According to Rep. Crank, excessive regulations on energy efficiency have increased the cost of building homes, which ultimately affects buyers. “Every American should be able to live out their dream of owning a home,” said Rep. Crank. “Unfortunately, this dream continues to be out of reach for many Americans. Energy codes and regulations, like the harsh one’s we see here Colorado, significantly increase the cost of building a home, forcing our home builders to pass on the burdensome costs to the buyers.
“This is enough – we should not punish our home buyers, which is why I have introduced the FRAMER Act. The FRAMER Act will incentivize states to roll back overbearing energy efficiency codes, creating an environment that encourages home building and lowers the regulatory cost on home builders and buyers. The FRAMER Act provides the right incentive to states without federal overreach to directly address the housing affordability crisis in America.”
The FRAMER Act would require states with energy codes more stringent than those set by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to reimburse builders for added construction costs if they wish to receive HUD housing grants for projects in federal opportunity zones. The bill also mandates annual reporting by the Government Accountability Office on state payments related to these requirements and ensures transparency for buyers regarding any cost savings passed along through builder reimbursements.
Several organizations expressed support for the legislation. The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs stated: “We applaud Congressman Crank for identifying one of the most significant regulations that is driving up the cost of building a home and proposing an incentive for states to adjust their mandates… We look forward to continuing to work with Congressman Crank and our elected officials to enact policies that promote home ownership and lower the barriers for home buyers to realize the American dream.”
Roger Lovell, Regional Building Official at Pikes Peak Regional Building Department, said: “I am honored to support Congressman Crank’s FRAMER Act… These regulations have added thousands of dollars to the cost of building a home and have made it time consuming, costly, and burdensome for communities… I am greatly encouraged that Congressman Crank understands these impacts and is taking them seriously by proposing a thoughtful incentive for states like Colorado.”
The O’Neil Group Company noted: “Providing high quality housing for El Paso County is one of our main priorities… We applaud Congressman Crank for leading on effectively addressing the regulations that are holding back home builders from delivering more homes for all Coloradans.”
National Association of REALTORS executive Shannon McGahn commented: “The National Association of REALTORS supports the FRAMER Act, which takes a practical, market-driven approach… By ensuring states account for added costs in Opportunity Zones, this legislation helps builders bring more attainable homes while maintaining transparency.”
Craig DeRoche, President and CEO of Family Policy Alliance stated: “Lower housing costs lead to earlier homeownership… Family Policy Alliance is glad to support the FRAMER Act as a practical step…”
Ilana Blumsack from Americans for Prosperity said: “Burdensome regulations have made housing expensive… AFP thanks Rep. Crank for shining a light on excessive energy and environmental regulations burdening home builders…”
The bill’s full text can be found online.
