The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is backing two new executive orders issued by President Trump that aim to reduce regulatory burdens and expand access to mortgage credit - moves the association says could directly address the nation's housing affordability crisis.

 
The first order targets federal permitting and environmental rules, directing agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to streamline requirements tied to wetlands, stormwater, and environmental reviews. It also calls for broader use of categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act and urges federal agencies to eliminate or reform costly regulations that constrain residential development.

The second order focuses on financing, instructing federal banking regulators to expand lending opportunities, modernize appraisal standards, and reduce barriers for community banks. The directive also includes reforms to capital requirements and encourages new liquidity tools aimed at supporting entry-level housing and small builders.

NAHB Chairman Bill Owens praised the actions, stating, "The president's executive order to remove regulatory barriers will enable builders to build more housing by reducing red tape... [and] make it easier for families to achieve the American dream of homeownership."

NAHB argues the combined approach - cutting regulatory costs while improving credit access - targets the structural drivers of high housing costs.

https://www.nahb.org/blog/2026/03/trump-executive-orders-would-ease-affordability-crisis