When asked why the DOE would send the rule before it is published in the Federal Register, Weiss says DOE knows of the opposition in the industry to the rule, plus MHI can put a positive spin on the rule to ameliorate the blow. Weiss notes, no doubt somewhat wryly, DOE would not afford MHARR the same courtesy—probably because he has vehemently opposed the rule from the beginning.
He says the rule adds unnecessary costs to the homes, discriminating against smaller businesses and consumers who will have to pay more, wiping out a chunk of potential buyers.
When Kovach suggested the new rule removes energy efficiency choices from consumers, Weiss responded that it is a one-size fits all approach. He says, “MHARR and other opponents of the rule have shown that today’s manufactured homes are already energy-efficient and that enhanced energy packages are already available on an optional basis for those home buyers who want them. Some home buyers choose to spend their dollars on those optional energy packages, while others choose upgraded kitchens, upgraded bathrooms, upgraded flooring, or other amenities, but that is their choice.”
The National Association of Home Builders did a study that revealed increasing the price of a new manufactured home by $1,000 would rule out 347,901 potential buyers; raising the price of a double-section MH $1,000 would disqualify 315,385 households from being able to afford it.
The DOE Working Group that developed the rule says the added cost to each home should be $2,000 to $4,000, while MHARR says it is more like $6,000 and possibly more.
Says Weiss, “At best, going along and supporting this process reflects bad judgment on the part of MHI. At worst, it amounts to seeking government assistance in hurting the industry’s small businesses.”
He says MHARR will continue to oppose the new rule, and will have an announcement to make, plus comments to the DOE, once the rule is published in the Federal Register.
For the entire interview click here. ##
(Photo credit: MHProNews -M. Mark Weiss)
