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Committee advances cleanup to let SECO adopt newer energy codes; supporters cite efficiency and cost savings
Summary
A committee substitute to SB 7 83 would let the State Energy Conservation Office proceed with rulemaking to adopt updated energy codes, including the 2021 IECC, for state‑funded and high‑performance buildings.
Senate Bill 7 83 (committee substitute) would clarify the authority of the State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) to adopt updated energy codes for state‑funded and high‑performance buildings and to proceed with future code updates through rulemaking. Senator Mendez said SECO previously adopted the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and seeks authority to move toward the 2021 code; he cited a 5–10% efficiency improvement in the 2021 commercial code compared with 2015.
Frances Blake of the Texas Association of Builders said the cleanup is important to allow SECO to continue rulemaking and noted broad stakeholder support, including from builders and industry. Cyrus Reid of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club testified in support, saying updated codes will save energy and water and that SECO’s process includes public notice, stakeholder input and cost‑benefit analysis.
Senator Mendez and witnesses discussed the mechanics and the limited scope: SECO may only adopt code changes after public notice and stakeholder process, and the proposal would govern future construction going forward rather than retroactively altering existing buildings.
The committee left the committee substitute pending after testimony, and supporters said they would provide technical data — including estimated megawatt or water savings — to inform rulemaking.
