GOP Sen Scott: Biden admin's new energy requirements for mobile homes too costly

South Carolina GOP Sen. Tim Scott says the Biden administration's new energy-efficiency standards will make home ownership more unreachable for low-income families.

The standard, or rule, was issued by the Energy Department and will require single- and multi-section mobile homes to have more energy-efficient windows and insulation – as part of "climate-change-related changes" that could reportedly increase the price of such homes by as much as $4,500. 

Scott expressed his concerns in a letter Monday to Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, saying he was disappointed by the rule and that he wanted it to be "appropriately tailored to ensure" housing remains as affordable as possible.

The rule is set to go into effect at the end of next month, nearly a year after its finalization. 

Scott also said the increase in costs will “limit consumer choices” in the housing market.

In addition, he argued the estimated higher cost of such homes fail to include the expenses of the testing and enforcement of the new standards, which will likely, or at least in part, be passed onto consumers.

The department has acknowledged the the new rule does not "fully" include such costs.

Scott concluded the letter by asking the administration to “immediately delay implementation of this rule to provide hard-working families relief."

He also asked Granholm to "consider withdrawing this rule" altogether and to modify the regulations so as to not "irresponsibly contribute" to pricing Americans out of home ownership.