Government Initiatives
Missouri Mechanical Licensing Bills
The Missouri Senate and House of Representatives has recently re-introduced a bill that would create an optional statewide Missouri Mechanical License for any company designs, installs, maintains, constructs, alters, repairs, and inspections solid-fuel and gas hearth appliances and chimneys and vents. Missouri members and staff have been closely monitoring the progress of this bill and working with the Senators and Representatives who have sponsored the bill to make sure this does not affect our members or their business.
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The NSPS for New Residential Wood Heaters
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) New Source Performance Standards (NSPS), the program which governs emissions for woodburning appliances, was updated for the first time in over 20 years February 2015. Initiated in 1988, the NSPS controls the manufacture, sale, and import of "wood heaters," and only affects new products not already installed in residences.
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Biomass Stove Tax Credit
Tax credits are powerful incentives for potentially hesitant consumers to invest in new biomass-fueled freestanding stoves and energy conservation technology. For nearly a decade, HPBA has worked in Washington, D.C. to maintain a tax credit for purchasers of new biomass stoves so that communities and individuals can reap the financial and environmental benefits that newer, more efficient technology provides.
Energy Conservation
The U.S. Department of Energy had been considering a regulatory action for pilot lights intended to conserve energy for all heating and decorative gas appliances. At the same time, HPBA has been advancing a revision to the standards for vented gas fireplaces, stoves, and inserts that would achieve these same goals while considering the unique attributes, functions, and technical considerations of each appliance category.
Advocacy Center
To ensure that your concerns are known and understood by key policymakers, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association advocates for our industries and interests before federal, state and local governments, officials and regulators. HPBA communicates frequently with legislators and closely follows regulatory and legislative activity to promote policies that are favorable to your business. Your help is essential in achieving our legislative goals.
Midwest State
Codes Coordinators
Committee Chair: Clay Whitney
Clayton Sales Company
Email: cwhitney@mcleodusa.net
Kansas: Wilt & Tina Dod
Dod Installations, Inc.
Email: wilt@dodinstallations.com
Illinois: Dan Devlin
Southwest Fireplace Supply
Email: ddevlin@swfireplace.com
Indiana: John Bassemier
Leisure Distributors
Email: john@drgrill.com
Missouri: Rick Forshaw
Forshaw of St. Louis, Inc.
Email: rforshaw@forshaws.com
Are you actively monitoring codes and legislation in your area or would you like to learn how? Contact Erica Geil, egeil@midwesthpba.org, to learn how you can join our list of Coordinators or participate in the Government Affairs Academy.
Zero Net Energy
Wind and solar power options are the latest buzz among energy conservation building circles in the quest to build or retrofit homes to be Zero Net Energy. HPBA won’t let policymakers forget that hearth products provide valuable zone heating benefits that play an important role in reaching the policy goal of a home producing as much energy as it consumes.
Important Web Sites
US Senate: www.senate.gov
US House of Representatives: www.house.gov
Kansas: www.kansas.gov
Illinois: www.illinois.gov
Indiana: www.in.gov
Missouri: www.mo.gov
HPBA Initiatives: www.hpba.org/Initiativies
Codes and Standards
Building, fire prevention, and general safety codes are reviewed regularly, and HPBA is very active in ensuring what's implemented is fair while keeping the consumer in mind. HPBA delves into the technical, legal, and policy details so that you can spend more time focusing on your business. Our codes and standards team works tirelessly to ensure your interests are represented at the decision-making table―at the International Code Council, standards development organizations, and at government agencies of all levels.
Glass Safety Standards
As of January 1, 2015 all glass-fronted gas hearth appliances - that means gas fireplaces and glass-fronted gas heaters - will require a protective barrier if their glass surface temperature exceeds 172 degrees Fahrenheit (F).
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Wood Stove Changeouts
Over $1 million in changeout dollars has been paid to participating MWHPBA retailers in the most recent Wood Stove Changeouts in Indiana and Illinois. There are currently no active changouts in the MWHPBA affiliate. Details on future changeouts will be listed here and shared with members in our e-News.