Are states required to update their residential building energy codes?
DOE made a determination on January 10, 2001, that the 1998 and 2000 editions of the IECC will improve energy efficiency in residential buildings over the 1995 MEC. Within two years of a published positive determination (by January 10, 2003), each state is required to certify to DOE that it has reviewed the provisions of its residential building code regarding energy efficiency, and has determined whether it is appropriate for the state to revise its residential building code to meet or exceed the IECC. EPCA does not give DOE authority to certify that a particular edition of the IECC would be acceptable for states to adopt. Rather, EPCA delegates the role of certification to the states. If a state determines that it is not appropriate to revise its residential code to meet or exceed the IECC, the state is required to explain why in writing to the Secretary of Energy.
