Why This Matters to Your Business

Advocacy

Most lawmakers don't know what we do. They've never installed a wood stove, never spec'd a gas insert, never sat across from a customer weighing hearth options. Yet the codes, regulations, and laws they write shape how you run your business every day.

That's the gap our Government Affairs committee exists to close. We represent you, your shop, and our industry to the people making the rules.

Representing Your Business.

The Government Affairs committee serves a very important purpose, to represent you and our industry as a whole. Often lawmakers are uneducated in what we do, how we do it and where. The committee focuses on four main areas:

To Monitor,

or coordinate the monitoring of all code, regulatory, and legislative issues in our region.

To Define,

and advocate, with the consent of the Board of Directors, the HPBA’s position on all codes, regulatory, and legislative matters in support of the interests of all segments of the industry without regard to the commercial interests of any particular segment.

To Build

and sustain strong affiliate government affairs programs to pursue and protect the industry’s interests at state and local agencies.

To Alert,

educate, and inform affiliate groups of industry issues.

What We're Watching

EPA NSPS: Still No Word on Sell-Through

The Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t published a final rule on sell-through for Step 1 appliances past the May 15, 2020 deadline. After that date, only Step 2 appliances can be sold under the New Source Performance Standard.
Until EPA clarifies, run your business as if May 15, 2020 is the hard line. Plan inventory, customer commitments, and supplier conversations accordingly.
For the latest details, check the HPBA NSPS FAQs page. Questions? Reach out to John Crouch.

California: Gas Hearth Efficiency Standard Coming

The California Energy Commission has been working on an efficiency standard for gas hearth products for more than a year. After extensive stakeholder meetings, CEC is expected to publish its proposal this month, along with a public hearing announcement.
If your business sells into California, or supplies dealers who do, this one’s worth tracking. Contact Ryan Carroll for questions on the rulemaking or the hearing schedule.

Canada: Ottawa Launches First Woodstove Changeout

In late April, Canada’s capital kicked off its first woodstove changeout program. The city is funding it, with rebates focused on surrounding rural areas.
Changeouts move old, inefficient units out of homes and cleaner ones in. Good for air quality, good for homeowners, and good for the dealers who do the work.

Get Involved

Government affairs only works when members stay engaged. Watch this page for updates, respond when we ask for input, and reach out when something in your market needs attention.