Idaho Building Code Board considers gutting large part of state energy code

The Idaho Building Code Board is considering recommendations to delete a large portion of the state’s energy code.

The board, made up of building experts and community members, recently debated proposed changes put forward by the state’s Department of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Four members of the nine-person board initially voted to end discussion on any changes to the energy code.

But the group decided to continue to hear from the public and evaluate possible changes before making a final decision in November. Earlier this year, the Idaho legislature passed a bill preventing localities from adopting stricter energy codes than the state allows. The measure also gave final say on the state’s energy code to the legislature instead of the Governor-appointed building code board.

The legislation means whatever the board recommends will not be binding. There is considerable support in the legislature to do away with the energy code altogether.