Lawmakers may have agreed on the benefits of “water smart” homes in Colorado, but they differed sharply today during floor debate in the House on whether or not a mandate on homebuilders is a good way to promote those efficiencies.

House Bill 1358, offered by Rep. Randy Fischer, D-Fort Collins, would require homebuilders to offer one or more options for water efficient appliances and fixtures to homebuyers while a new home is under construction.

“This provides a unique opportunity for efficiencies not afforded in existing homes by providing the option for including the most efficient appliances, fixtures and practices at the most efficient point for homebuyers,” said Fischer.

A number of GOP members of the House spoke in opposition to the mandate, but also spoke in favor of conservation efforts by private industry and citizens.

Republican Cheri Gerou of Evergreen said the bill amounted to micromanagement and circumvents local governments, who have their own standards for plumbing-related installations.

“This bill slaps local governments and homebuilders in the face,” said Gerou. “This tells them that they don’t know what they’re doing, that only the sate government can tell them how to offer a new home.”

Amy Stephens, R-Monument believes that the bill would be restrictive for homebuilders and buyers.

“I believe that this puts homebuilders a in a box and homebuyers in a box,” said Stephens.

Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs, invoked the economy, saying the measure will make it harder for the building industry to recover from the recent recession.

“If there’s any industry that’s been under the gun it’s the homebuilder’s industry,” said Liston. “This is just another mandate and this will make it harder for the homebuilders and more expensive for homebuyers.”

The bill was approved by a voice vote and will be on the calendar for a roll vote on Tuesday.