HB 2398 Reduces energy use for building codes

VOTE:NO
Died In Committee on 06-26-21
Status (overview) of bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Measures/Overview/HB2398
Committee assigned to bill:https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2021R1/Committees/JWM/Overview

This bill requires ratcheting down energy usage of new or refurbished buildings as compared to similar existing structures. Creates code separate from and superseding the current building code. As the new code progressively reduces energy use the new level of energy use will be adopted into the building code.

Personal Choice and Responsibility
How energy is used will ultimately be the decision of the state. This appears to affect all residential and commercial that will ultimately raise the cost to everyone.

Fiscal Responsibility
The balance between initial cost and energy efficiency is further controlled by a centralized bureaucracy. Just because a process is technically feasible does not mean it is economically feasible. Those tasked with determining what is acceptable will not be paying for the construction.

Limited Government
Gives new power to the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. If a grad student develops technology that is technically feasible, it will become mandated. The student working under a government grant has little interest in what impact the technology may have on construction costs. As long as the student creates something, the grants keep coming and the university is happy.

Local Control
Further centralizes building regulations at the state level.

Free Markets
Removes more of the markets ability to balance capitol costs vs energy costs. If an individual or business prefers to have lower capital construction costs and higher energy costs, should that not be their decision?