During the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, Minnesota lawmakers made a promise to put Minnesota homes on a path to lower monthly energy costs through changes to the state residential energy code. These changes have put our state on track to modernize our 11-year-old residential energy code through better walls, roofs, windows, and equipment that add comfort, prioritize safety, and lower monthly energy costs. Now, House File 3545 puts this progress at risk.
The House Committee on Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development will be hearing HF3545 on Tuesday, March 10. This bill is poised to repeal the promise made by the Legislature in 2024 to update our state’s aging home energy code. Proponents of HF3545 say this repeal will save Minnesotans money; do not be fooled. HF3545 will weaken Minnesota’s energy code leading to permanently higher energy costs in the much-needed new homes in our state.
In a moment where Minnesotans are struggling to pay for the energy that heats and cools their homes, we must tell legislators to pass laws that reduce monthly energy costs, not raise them.
Fresh Energy has been working hard at the Legislature and with the Department of Labor and Industry to pass and implement strong, commonsense, and cost-effective energy codes for new buildings. Allowing this bill to pass out of committee will jeopardize years of progress, and put Minnesota’s buildings on a path to higher energy costs and expensive upgrades.
Can you speak up before the morning of Tuesday, March 10? Our state representatives need to hear that their constituents want smart, strong, and modern building codes.