HUD and USDA Scrap Green Building Rules for Cheaper Homes
Published Date: 5/1/2026
Notice
Summary
HUD and USDA just canceled the new energy-saving rules for homes they help pay to build, effective May 1, 2026. This means builders and developers won’t have to follow those tougher energy standards anymore, which could affect how new affordable homes are made. The change might save some upfront costs but could slow down energy savings in the long run.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
HUD/USDA Cancels New Energy Codes
If you build or buy new housing financed by HUD or USDA, the Agencies canceled the April 26, 2024 Final Determination adopting the 2021 IECC and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 energy standards. The rescission is effective May 1, 2026, returns covered programs to the energy standards that were in effect immediately before the April 26, 2024 Final Determination, and also rescinds the related extension notices dated March 10, 2025; April 4, 2025; and November 10, 2025.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10817, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
This new rule updates how federal financial help is given and managed across many government agencies. It affects anyone who gets federal grants or aid, making the process clearer, fairer, and easier to follow. Changes kick in soon and could impact how money flows and how quickly folks get support.
2025-12522, Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing; Notice for Comment
HUD and USDA are updating energy rules for new homes they help pay for, making sure these houses use less energy and save money. They’ve adopted newer, smarter energy codes that won’t make homes more expensive or harder to get. Now, they want your thoughts before finalizing everything, so speak up soon!
2026-19532, Amendments To Import Requirements for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
The USDA is proposing to shorten the waiting time for importing live birds and bird products from 90 days to 28 days after a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. This change helps foreign exporters get back to business faster while keeping the U.S. safe from bird flu. If you’re involved in bird imports, get ready to comment by November 23, 2026, and watch for updates that could speed up trade without extra costs.
2026-17538, Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program; Correction
The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announced the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program in a final rule on February 23, 2026. This correction amends the definition of "corn" to add blue and red corn, which are eligible commodities for the FBA Program.
2026-16965, Special Areas; Roadless Area Conservation
The USDA wants to cancel the 2001 Roadless Rule that stopped road building and logging in special forest areas. This change gives local forest managers more freedom to decide how to care for these lands based on local needs. People have until September 21, 2026, to share their thoughts, and this could affect how forests are managed and how money is spent on these lands.
2026-16760, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Changes in Federal-State Administrative Cost Sharing; Extension of Comment Period
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) is extending the public comment period on the proposed rule, "Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Changes in Federal-State Administrative Cost Sharing," which was published in the Federal Register on June 24, 2026. This action extends the public comment period from August 24, 2026, to September 8, 2026, to give the public additional time to review the proposed rule.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-08530, Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH or Committee): Notice of Meetings
The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) will hold virtual meetings on May 19-20, 2026, to discuss important safety standards for construction workers. Anyone involved in construction safety can join or send comments by May 13. These meetings help shape rules that keep workers safe without costing extra money.
Next: 2026-08532, Extension of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: TSA Reimbursable Screening Services Program (RSSP) Pilot Request
TSA is asking to keep collecting info for its Reimbursable Screening Services Program (RSSP), which lets businesses and groups get TSA security checks outside regular airport screening areas. This extension means the program can keep running smoothly without extra costs or delays. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until June 1, 2026, to share them!