By Joe Cornetta
When it comes to the state of affairs surrounding natural gas bans, refrigerant changes, licensing, efficiency limits, and more, sometimes I feel like I’m swept up in a twister. I’m desperately looking for the calm after the storm and for help to navigate my business. PHCC has been incredibly resourceful in supporting the licensed plumbing and HVAC contractor. Thank goodness for PHCC’s Washington team – Mark Valentini and Chuck White. They are this association’s “men behind the curtain” – the great wizards of the PHCC – constantly guiding us back to Kansas!
We’re simple mechanics, tools in hand. It’s our nature to fix things, improve people’s environment. I often say, “Making the world a better place, one toilet repair at a time.” So why are we so overregulated and governed by laws?
Simply said, it’s the government’s way of helping elected officials quite often cross into our lanes believing they are experts. They get a five-minute briefing from staff, check with party leadership, and vote on issues that directly affect our livelihoods. How can we trust our representatives to know more than us? We are the experts, we took the tests, and we hold the licenses. Next time you meet your congressional representative, ask them how to wipe a lead joint or check a start capacitor. As the stewards of protecting the health of the American people, we know better than anyone how to respect the environment and safeguard people and properties.
That’s where our wizards step out from behind the curtain. PHCC’s presence in the regulatory world and on Capitol Hill is a priceless benefit of membership. So, let’s dive into some of our issues and how PHCC is navigating for better weather.
Natural Gas Bans
As a licensed plumbing contractor in New York, I’m ankle deep with gas bans. PHCC has been at the forefront in assisting our fight to secure energy choice for consumers:
- We are one of the plaintiffs in Association of Contracting Plumbers of the City of New York v. City of New York challenging Public Law 154 that bans natural gas in new construction;
- We stand with our industry counterparts in a similar statewide lawsuit (Mulhern Gas Co. v. Rodriguez);
- We continue to work with our allies in Albany and Washington, D.C. to push back on further restrictions on gas usage;
- We are advocating for passage of The Energy Choice Act (H.R. 6089), sponsored by Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) in the U.S. Congress;
- We have a pulse on developments to keep our members informed and ready to deploy in New England, Virginia, Illinois, and California (the birthplace of gas bans).
Refrigerants
The new law for refrigerant implementation is Jan. 1, 2025. PHCC has worked with industry partners for five years preparing for this transition. Training on the new products will be needed (especially as new A2L refrigerants cannot be installed in existing HFC equipment), and PHCC plans to be at the forefront.
Efficiency Limits
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is mandated by law to review product efficiency standards. In the past few years, DOE has put forth numerous proposal rules raising efficiency levels for hot water boilers, commercial and residential water heaters, and gas furnaces. PHCC has taken the position of consumer choice. There must be a balance between implementing maximum technology efficient products and maintaining affordability to consumers.
Inflation Reduction Act
This act provides significant funding to incentivize energy-efficient products. This complex act is to channel funds through the Home Energy Rebate programs. PHCC remains cautiously optimistic as to the fulfillment of the intention of the IRA.
PHCC is fighting every day for advocacy to protect us. Almost daily, PHCC receives calls from various agencies across the country for resources and information. The regulatory departments in Washington, D.C. know us and respect our opinions. PHCC of Washington State Executive Director Todd Allred was recently contacted by his state’s Department of Ecology to explain refrigerant changes at a convention. This is becoming a common occurrence across the country. Todd often says, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
I’m proud that PHCC’s opinion is becoming relevant on key issues. If we don’t speak up as an association, our industry will continue to bear burdensome laws that may bury us. If you’re not a member of this association, then you may find yourself looking for work in munchkin land.
In closing, if any member visits Virgina, PHCC—National headquarters is in Falls Church. Knock on our screen door, stop in, and say hello. There’s no place like home.
PHCC—National Association President Joe Cornetta is co-owner of Cornetta Bros., Inc., a third-generation plumbing and heating business in Elmont, New York.