A handful of residential code revisions went into effect in Ohio on January 1st, including an energy conservation code with stricter standards on insulation that is causing an uproar among homebuilders.
Those opposed to the stricter standards complain that this is the wrong time to be placing an extra burden on an already beleaguered business.
John Caulfield at Builder Magazine writes:
"The new codes also call for tougher air-tightness standards for construction.
The Ohio Home Builders Association estimates that the revised energy code alone, if applied to new construction in the state, could raise the price of a house by up to $2,500. (The code's advocates believe the cost increase would be more like $800.)"
FULL STORY: Builders In Ohio Resist Stricter Building Codes

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Making Mobility More Inclusive
A new study highlights the challenges people with disabilities continue to face in navigating urban spaces.

Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
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