House and Senate Lawmakers Unveil NAHB-Supported Transformer Bill
At NAHB’s urging, Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) have introduced identical House and Senate bills — Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act — that would delay for five years any rulemaking on energy-efficiency standards for distribution transformers.
“At a time when the home building industry is facing a severe shortage of distribution transformers, NAHB commends Rep. Hudson and Sen. Barrasso for introducing this important legislation,” said NAHB Chairman Alicia Huey. “This vital measure will provide needed time to boost output at existing facilities to address the growing supply chain crisis for transformers that has delayed home construction projects across the country and aggravated the nation’s housing affordability crisis.”
This was one of the key issues during the recent NAHB Legislative Conference when more than 700 NAHB members discussed vital matters of concern to the housing industry with their lawmakers on Capitol Hill.
The Department of Energy has proposed to increase the energy conservation standards for the production of distribution transformers and NAHB has been working diligently with House and Senate lawmakers to oppose this plan because it will exacerbate an already acute supply-chain shortage.
NAHB continues to work with both chambers of Congress to seek additional funding aimed solely at boosting production of distribution transformers to meet market demand.
Latest from NAHBNow
Feb 17, 2026
2026 Housing Outlook: Ongoing Challenges, Cautious Optimism and Incremental GainsThe housing market will continue to face several headwinds in 2026, including economic policy uncertainty as well as a softening labor market and ongoing affordability problems. But easing financial conditions led by an anticipated modest reduction in mortgage rates should help to somewhat offset these market challenges and support production and sales, according to economists speaking at the International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. today.
Feb 17, 2026
Multifamily Market Expected to Cool in 2026 as Vacancies RiseThe rental market has slowed following a pandemic-era boom due to demographic changes, softer labor market and rising vacancies and is moving towards a more constrained development environment, according to economists speaking at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show in Orlando today.
Latest Economic News
Feb 17, 2026
Builder Sentiment Edges Lower on Affordability ConcernsBuilder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell one point to 36 in February, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).
Feb 17, 2026
How Rising Costs Affect Home AffordabilityHousing affordability remains a critical issue, with 65% of U.S. households unable to afford a median-priced new home in 2026. When mortgage rates are elevated, even a small increase in home prices can have a big impact on housing affordability.
Feb 16, 2026
Cost of Credit for Builders & Developers at Its Lowest Since 2022The cost of credit for residential construction and development declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to NAHB’s quarterly survey on Land Acquisition, Development & Construction (AD&C) Financing.