Biden Administration Sued Over New Energy-Efficient Housing Standards
Just weeks before leaving office, President Biden is facing a lawsuit from Utah and Texas Attorneys General, Sean D. Reyes and Ken Paxton, respectively. The lawsuit challenges new energy-efficient housing standards that the attorneys general argue undermine affordable housing and exceed federal law.
This is not the first lawsuit filed against the Biden administration in its final days, and it marks Paxton's 103rd lawsuit challenging the Democratic administration. Paxton claims the administration has been overstepping its authority and acting more like a king than an elected official.
The lawsuit, joined by 15 other states and the National Association of Home Builders, argues that the new energy standards are not only burdensome but also exceed the authority granted by Congress. The coalition contends that the standards will increase upfront costs and reduce options for buyers.
The lawsuit also questions the administration's legal authority to enforce these rules, claiming that it relies on private organizations to set standards that go beyond the original law's intent.
The Biden administration has defended the new standards, claiming they will save money by making homes more energy efficient. However, critics argue that the rules are increasing upfront costs and reducing options for buyers.
This lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges to the Biden administration's energy policies. In November, a group of Republican attorneys general sent a letter to Special Counsel Jack Smith, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis, calling on them to drop their cases against President-elect Trump to avoid a "constitutional crisis."
Paxton also filed a lawsuit in November against the Biden-Harris Department of Justice to prevent the destruction of any records from Smith's investigation into President Donald Trump.
The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
7 Comments
Matzomaster
These standards are unrealistic and often impractical for many regions in the U.S. It’s a one-size-fits-all approach that just doesn’t work.
Karamba
It’s about time we started taking climate action seriously. New standards are a step in the right direction!
Rotfront
Let’s embrace innovation! Energy-efficient standards can lead to new technologies and improvements in housing.
Matzomaster
Affordable housing doesn’t have to mean outdated, inefficient homes. We need progress, not regression!
Karamba
The benefits of energy-efficient homes go beyond cost savings; they also reduce our carbon footprint!
Katchuka
The so-called 'energy efficiency' should not come at the expense of housing affordability. We need balance!
Michelangelo
These standards are necessary to combat climate change. We must act decisively!