I  strongly oppose the apparent weakening of the proposed 2012 building code – particularly as it relates to energy efficiency.  Investments in energy efficiency during construction or renovation are without a doubt the easiest and cheapest way of conserving energy, reducing energy-related emissions, and saving households a great deal of money in the long term.  The cost of electricity and other household fuels is only expected to rise in the coming decades – and may rise precipitously over the expected lifetime of new homes built today.  It would be a serious mistake – environmentally, socially, and economically -  to miss this opportunity to substantially improve the energy efficiency of Virginia’s housing stock.