February 20241

February 13th, 2024 Nebraska Urban Affairs Committee 1445 K Street, Room 1510 Lincoln, NE 68508 Re: MEEA comments in support of the adoption of the full 2021 International Energy Conservation Code Dear Chairman McKinney and members of the Nebraska Urban Affairs Committee, Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). [...] The Unweakened 2021 IECC Benefits the Building Industry The model codes are designed to gradually increase in efficiency, minimizing “big leaps.” Failing to update regularly results in standards gaps and burdens the building industry. [...] It is important to remember that the building industry touches a home once – at the point of its construction – but that the residents who live and work in a home will feel the impact of its construction practices for decades into the future. [...] The energy code is considered the floor – the least efficient building that can be constructed by law – and the builders who are only building to the bare minimum may see a slight cost increase, but that is far outweighed by the savings realized through reduced energy use and reduced health care costs for building occupants. [...] Rather, to continue to showcase the state’s commitment to energy efficiency and the benefits to Nebraskans, Nebraska should now take the necessary steps to adopt the unweakened provisions of the 2021 IECC.