Make Your Voice Heard ā Home Energy Score (HES) Ordinance
Pause the HES Mandate ā Protect Housing Affordability
Thurston County REALTORSĀ® urges residents, business owners, and housing professionals to engage before the Feb 17 hearing. Thereās power in numbers ā stand with us to ensure smart, workable housing policy.
Why It Matters
Why It Matters
Housing + Market Impacts
- Housing affordability and supply are already strained.
- New listing mandates may increase costs for sellers & buyers.
- Seniors and households on fixed incomes may face disproportionate impacts.
- Key fiscal, legal, and implementation questions remain unanswered.
Whatās At Stake
Whatās At StakeWhat the Proposed HES Ordinance Could Mean
- Added costs for sellers and buyers ā especially in older homes
- Transaction delays and uncertainty
- Disproportionate impact on seniors and households on fixed incomes
- Unresolved implementation questions (inspectors, oversight, enforcement)
- Legal and fiscal risk under state law (REET implications)
Our Position
Official TCRA Position
Official TCRA PositionThe Thurston County REALTORSĀ® Association Board has adopted a position urging jurisdictions to pause adoption of the HES ordinance and engage housing stakeholders before moving forward. We believe energy goals can and should be achieved without worsening housing affordability or creating unintended consequences.
Take Action ā Your Voice, Your Choice
Ways to Make Your Voice Heard
Ways to Make Your Voice HeardCommissioners are scheduled to meet on February 17th ā only 6 days to share your perspective.
Thereās power in numbers. Choose one or more ways to engage:
Ā Submit Written Comment
Use our templates to quickly prepare a comment and submit via email or the meeting portal.
š£ Testify at the Hearing
Prepare a short public comment (30 or 60 seconds) and speak at the upcoming hearing.
š² Share on Social Media
Copy/paste from our ready-made social posts to raise awareness.
Contact Commissioners
Email or call your County Commissioners to express your concerns.
county.commissioners@co.thurston.wa.us
Social Post Previews
Social Post Previews
Quick Shareable Messages
Housing is already expensive in Thurston County.
Now local leaders are considering a Home Energy Score (HES) mandate that could add new costs to buying or selling a home.
Before new mandates are adopted, the impact on housing affordability and homeownership must be considered.
š© Tell County Commissioners:
Protect housing affordability and stop the HES mandate.
Bright ideas donāt have to hurt homeowners.
The Home Energy Score ordinance is well-intended but could disproportionately impact seniors and fixed-income households.
Ask your Commissioners to pause adoption and engage stakeholders first
Olympia declared an Affordable Housing Emergency in December 2024.
Now the proposed Home Energy Score (HES) mandate could add new costs to buying or selling a home.
Housing affordability means removing barriers ā not adding them.
š£ Contact City Council and ask them to stop the HES mandate.
š” Energy efficiency shouldnāt come at the cost of housing.
A mandatory Home Energy Score at the time of listing could add costs, delays, and uncertainty, especially for seniors and households on fixed incomes.
š£ Act now: Ask your County Commissioners to pause adoption and explore voluntary solutions.
Letās spark a better conversation about energy & housing.
The proposed Home Energy Score ordinance raises real concerns:
ā¢ Added costs at the time of listing
ā¢ Transaction delays
ā¢ Unanswered legal and fiscal questions
We can pursue energy efficiency without worsening the housing crisis.
Take action today: Contact your County Commissioners and urge them to pause the ordinance and engage housing professionals before moving forward.
Your voice matters.
Before we flip the switchā¦ letās slow down.
Well-intended energy policy shouldnāt make housing less attainableāespecially for seniors and households on fixed incomes.
Call or email your County Commissioners and ask them to pause adoption and work with housing stakeholders on practical, voluntary solutions.
Letās keep the lights on for housing affordability.