Advocacy News

11.30.18

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) applauds the ongoing efforts of the Trump Administration to pursue options, alternatives, and programs geared toward solving the skilled trades workforce crisis. PHCC is aware that the Senate is currently considering the “First Step Act” designed to help rehabilitate low-risk prisoners currently incarcerated by introducing them …

11.29.18

Congress (and the President) have until December 7 to pass (and sign), a federal budget – or face a partial government shutdown.  We’ve been at this point many times as a nation – and typically the issues are politically energized. The current issues (obstacles) are very clear in this budget process to complete a successful budget.  The most visible issue (and perhaps most politicized) is …

11.29.18

With continued Republican control of the Senate – and new Democratic control of the House for the 116th Congress,  PHCC continues to monitor the profile of the 116th Congress as it pertains to House and Senate leadership – and committee chairmanships.  The Democratic Caucus nominated Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) as speaker, and a vote will occur to confirm the nomination once the new Congress (House) …

11.29.18

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently received a petition from a group, referred to as the “Gas Industry Petitioners,” asking to issue an interpretive rule stating that DOE's proposed energy conservation standards for residential furnaces and commercial water heaters would result in the unavailability of “performance characteristics” by setting standards which can only be met by …

11.29.18

The DOE has published and is taking comments on a petition from PHCC coalition partner AHRI.

11.29.18

As you may remember, the Tax Reform Act made many changes to the 2018 tax structure. One of these changes involves the deductibility of business interest expenses. For 2018, the deduction for business interest is limited to the sum of business interest income; 30% of the adjusted taxable income for the tax year; and the floor plan financing interest for the tax year. Any disallowed business …

11.08.18

The EPA established rules for the safe handling of refrigerants in 1993. Since that time, the world of refrigerants has changed dramatically.

11.08.18

Whether you’re a policy wonk or fan of political polls, research and analysis - one dynamic was clear regarding the Congressional elections this week – predictions on the House and Senate races were pretty much on target and have changed the political landscape in Washington, DC.

10.25.18

With the entire U.S House of Representative - and a third or the U.S. Senate up for election in less than two weeks...all eyes are on the Congressional elections. With the potential of a large freshmen class (House and Senate) for the 116th Congress, PHCC will be hard at work establishing, and re-establishing relations following the election.

10.24.18

This week, President Trump signed PHCC-supported S. 3021, the Water Resources Development Act (known as “America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018),” which includes language officially authorizing the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense® program in perpetuity.