Government Affairs
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 wood burning appliances, was updated for the first time in over 20 years February 2015. This revision impacts wood and pellet stoves, outdoor hydronic heaters, and wood warm air furnaces. HPBA's legal, research, and legislative staff have worked hard to effect a positive outcome for our industry, members, and the public.
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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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Department of Energy & Gas Hearth Products
In February 2015, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) proposed a prescriptive energy conservation standard for all "hearth products." The standard proposed would require "hearth products" to use an ignition system that allows zero gas consumption except for when the main burners are on. The proposed rule affects all consumers of and businesses that manufacture, distribute, or sell natural gas and propane-fueled hearth products.
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Tax Credit for Wood and Pellet Stoves
On December 16, 2015, the long-awaited year-end tax deal was unveiled. Included in this section is the $300 credit for residential biomass stoves. The bill reauthorizes the tax credit retroactively to January 1, 2015 and extended through December 31, 2016. Consumers who made residential biomass heating purchases need to retain for their records a manufacturer's certificate that demonstrates the unit qualifies for Sec. 25C and a receipt.
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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.
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Results from Past Changeouts
Latest News
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.
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 Government Affairs: www.hpba.org/government-affairs