Protect Local Control and Sustainable Building Codes

I urge you to reject HB939 (Jones), a bill that strips local governments of their ability to adopt forward-thinking building codes. By prohibiting cities and counties from exceeding the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)—a model code updated every three years by industry experts—this legislation undermines local control, jeopardizes public health, and ignores the urgent need to address rising energy costs and climate resilience. Missouri’s municipalities have long had the authority to adopt building codes that reflect their communities’ needs. Over 100 cities and counties have chosen to exceed the IECC’s minimum standards to safeguard residents from skyrocketing utility bills, extreme weather, and unsafe housing. HB 939 dismantles this local autonomy, prioritizing short-term developer profits over the long-term well-being of families. With utilities seeking rate hikes up to 41% in 2025, energy-efficient homes are not a luxury—they are a necessity. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that modern energy codes save homeowners $7,000 over a home’s lifecycle, paying for themselves in under four years. For the 1 in 3 U.S. households struggling to afford utilities, these savings are the difference between stability and crisis. Beyond financial benefits, energy-efficient homes save lives. Tight building envelopes slow the spread of fires, efficient ventilation reduces allergens, and moisture control prevents toxic mold. These standards align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes housing as a fundamental human right. HB 939 would trap low-income families in substandard housing with higher utility bills and health risks, deepening inequality. Claims that the bill promotes “affordability” are misleading. Cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia—which have adopted modern codes—have seen rising construction permits and stable housing markets, disproving the myth that energy standards stifle growth. Meanwhile, states with weak codes face higher homeowner costs, lost federal funding, and stalled job creation in the clean energy sector. HB 939 also ignores the climate crisis. Nationally, modern energy codes are projected to save $138 billion by 2040 and reduce carbon emissions equivalent to 227 coal plants. In a state already grappling with extreme heat and flooding, blocking climate-resilient construction is reckless. This bill sacrifices our future for a false promise of affordability, leaving Missourians with homes that cost more to maintain, endanger their health, and fail to withstand disasters. I implore you to stand with communities, not special interests. Reject HB 939 and protect Missourians’ right to safe, sustainable, and affordable housing.