Virginia has not met the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) since at least 2012.  It is time to amend the Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) to meet the 2018 IECC energy conservation standards for all construction covered by the Virginia.  Given that nationally, buildings represent 70% of electricity consumption, energy efficiency is one of the best and easiest ways to reduce electrical consumption and carbon emissions.  In 2020, Virginia passed the Virginia Clean Economy Act - a landmark statue that calls for dramatic carbon reduction in light of the threat of climate change and the negative health, economic and environmental impacts it will bring across the Commonwealth.  Bringing building codes up to energy efficiency standards laid out by the IECC will help us achieve those carbon reduction goals and create a clean energy economy.  Furthermore, energy efficient buildings reduce utility bills of customers.  Finally, Virginia law requires that the USBC protect the "health, safety and welfare of residents in the Commonwealth" and be be "consistent with recognized standards of health, safety, energy conservation and water conservation..."  Minimizing costs to home builders must not take precedence over health and welfare of residences OR consistency with internationally recognized standards such as the IECC designed to do just that.