Advocacy News

06.02.25

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) successfully concluded its 2025 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., on May 21, with a day of critical advocacy efforts that will benefit contractors across the country. More than 100 PHCC members, chapter leaders, and ...

04.23.25

While state policymakers continue to grapple with questions about lowering emissions in their state or leaning into requiring all-electric buildings, a tool that is becoming increasingly considered is requiring the use of Ultra Low NOx (ULN) boilers and water heaters. While this concept was originally utilized as a method to lower NOx emissions and bring certain areas into attainment with the …

04.23.25

On April 10, Congress agreed to a budget resolution that will serve as the template for comprehensive legislation embodying the Republican majority’s policy priorities, which will include reform of current U.S. tax policy. Since passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), many PHCC members report that they have benefited or stand to benefit from TCJA policies such as higher estate tax …

03.26.25

Signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1975, the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) has been a cornerstone for the federal government in setting energy policy for the past half-century. The law was the United States’ response to the 1973 oil crisis that saw energy supplies become largely unavailable, causing prices to soar for American consumers and businesses. Among the many …

03.25.25

Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to keep government open in time for the March 14 deadline. The CR funds federal government operations at previous FY24 levels, but came to a head under contentious circumstances as Democrats, struggling to find footing under Republican majorities, faced pressure from the party base to negotiate a better deal that would push back against proposed cuts …

02.27.25

After years of consideration, DOE announced on January 17, 2025, that they would be withdrawing their proposed rule to increase the minimum energy efficiency performance standards for residential boilers. As it related to gas-fired hot water boilers, the Department had previously proposed, in August 2023, that these products meet or exceed an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) of 95%. …

02.27.25

The House of Representatives passed a budget reconciliation package this week with unanimous Republican support. This sets the stage for a framework to determine a path forward to pass a government funding measure for the remainder of FY25 while encompassing the Trump administration’s priorities on which the President campaigned. However, there are differences between House and Senate leadership …

02.05.25

Contractors invited to attend Legislative Conference May 20-21 The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) will host its 2025 Legislative Conference on May 20-21 at the YOTEL Washington D.C. This annual event provides plumbing and HVAC contractors with the opportunity to connect directly with federal lawmakers and advocate for the industry’s most pressing priorities. The …

01.23.25

On December 26, 2024, DOE published a Final Rule in the Federal Register setting more stringent minimum efficiency standards for gas-fired instantaneous water heaters, which will apply to any such product manufactured on or after December 26, 2029. In this action the Department maintains their initial proposal from July 2023 that will require all these products to utilize condensing technology. …

12.20.24

With the 2024 election now in America’s rearview mirror, it’s normal for people to start looking forward to better understand what these results mean for our industry. To recap, Donald Trump will be moving back into the White House on Jan. 20, 2025, and he will be working with a Congress that is narrowly held by Republicans in both Congressional chambers. At the state level, little has changed …