GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES
The greatest challenges to the hearth industry come from government regulations that directly impact our livelihood. Knowledge is the key to protecting ourselves and our businesses. The fireplace industry faces more regulations than any other building material segment because we affect both the environment and energy—two of the most hotly debated issues nationwide. While regulations are formed at the national level, they are almost always implemented at the local level, making grassroots involvement critical.
Our Government Affairs team is here to help. We act as your watchdog, advocating for your business and providing essential resources to navigate regulatory challenges. Staying informed and engaged is vital to protecting the future of our industry. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our businesses remain strong.
HPBA and MWHPBA believes that it is critical to lower carbon emissions based on solid science and technology. Requiring communities to be all-electric does not achieve the intended reduction due to inefficiencies with generation, distribution, and lack of storage. A balanced energy portfolio including natural gas, propane, solid fuel, electricity, and existing and emerging renewable technologies is the most effective way to lower carbon emissions for our planet.
ELECTRIFICATION & FUEL CHOICE LEGISLATION
ILLINOIS
Several cities in Illinois, including Chicago, Evanston, and Oak Lawn, as well as the state itself, have recently proposed ordinances and laws to ban the use of natural gas in new construction. In response, MWHPBA has partnered with the Clean Energy Choice Coalition (CECC) to advocate for energy choice and protect Illinois residents' rights.
It is critical that members work together to raise awareness among legislators and consumers to prevent this harmful legislation from moving forward. Your voice can make a difference in preserving energy options for homeowners and businesses.
Below are some resources to help in those efforts:
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CECC Consumer Fact Sheet
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CECC Social Media (Share & Like Posts)
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MWHPBA Updates by City (Login to Access)
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Gas Ban Tool Kit (Login to Access)
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If you would like more information on MWHPBA's Illinois initiatives or would like to receive our member e-news updates, please contact egeil@midwesthpba.org. Stay informed and get involved in protecting energy choice in Illinois!
FUEL CHOICE WINS
We are happy to report that three of the four states in our region have successfully passed fuel choice legislation, ensuring that cities, counties, and municipalities cannot impose restrictions on the use or installation of natural or propane gas. This is a significant victory for energy choice, protecting homeowners and businesses' right to decide how they heat their homes and operate their businesses.
Indiana: IN House Bill 1191 enacted in April 2021
Kansas: KS Senate Bill 24 enacted in April 2021
Missouri: MO Senate Bill 44 enacted in July 2021
However, we must remain vigilant. Even in states with fuel choice legislation, some cities are exploring ways to bypass these protections by modifying building codes or introducing new city ordinances, as seen in Kansas City, MO. MWHPBA continues to monitor these developments closely to ensure that energy choice remains protected. Any recent changes that require member action will be communicated via email and shared on our social media accounts. Stay informed and engaged to help defend fuel choice in our region.
STATE LICENSING
MISSOURI MECHANICAL LICENSE
The Missouri Senate and House of Representatives have recently reintroduced a bill that would establish an statewide Missouri Mechanical License for companies that design, install, maintain, construct, alter, repair, and inspect solid-fuel and gas hearth appliances, chimneys, and vents. Missouri members and MWHPBA staff have been closely monitoring the progress of this bill and actively working with the Senators and Representatives sponsoring it to ensure that it does not negatively impact our members or their businesses. We remain committed to protecting the interests of hearth professionals across the state.
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (GALA)
Become an Industry Leader
GALA is the leadership training program in the hearth and barbecue industry. You’ll learn together as a cohort from respected leaders and, over the course of 12 months, learn the skills to advocate for our industry at all levels of government. In addition, through a combination of in-person and virtual events, you’ll develop the skillset to be a defining leader for the rest of your career.
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MWHPBA sponsors members to attend GALA each year. If you are interested in attending, please contact egeil@midwesthpba.org.
GALA GRADUATES
John Bassemier
Bassemiers' Fireplace & Patio
Evansville, IN
Erica Geil
Midwest HPBA
St. Charles, MO
Drew Herendeen
Hearth & Home Design Center
South Bend, IN
Ken Belding
Empire Comfort Systems
Belleville, IL
Hailey Hasek
Maschino's
Springfield, MO
Joan Nutting
Maschino's
Springfield, MO
Rick Forshaw
Forshaw of St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
Dan Hechler
Hechler's Mainstreet Hearth & Home
Troy, MO
Ryan O'Donnell
Hearth & Home, Inc.
Mount Prospect, IL