The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) applauds Congressmen Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) along with six other members of the U.S. House of Representatives for introducing legislation today to ensure regulatory fairness for wood appliance manufacturers, retailers, and consumers – wood and pellet stoves, hydronic heaters, and wood furnaces.

The legislation, formally known as the “Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act of 2017,” would extend the May 15, 2020 effective date of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulation for new wood and pellet stoves, hydronic heaters, and wood furnaces by three years to May 15, 2023.

“With an effective date just over three years from now, this regulation stands to put thousands of U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and retail jobs in peril. It would increase hardships in rural communities across the country,” said Jack Goldman, president & CEO of the HPBA. “With only five labs in North America qualified to test all products impacted by this rule, there simply isn’t enough time for manufacturers to complete research and development, product testing, and have their completed test reports reviewed by EPA by the end of 2018 so that they’re in stores by 2020.”

The typical business cycle in the industry necessitates at least three years before a product can be sold at a specialty retail store. An extension is preferred over a complete repeal of the rule to avoid consumer choice becoming severely limited. If a federal standard is not maintained, state governments would likely establish different standards. This would affect the products that could be sold between different state markets. The effort to extend the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) deadline has received bipartisan support from Congress.

“Our bill provides much needed relief for wood stove manufacturers and consumers alike. My constituents are tired of an overly aggressive EPA setting unachievable regulations that do nothing but hurt our employers and raise prices for those simply looking to heat their homes during cold winters,” said Congressman Peterson.

“Affordable heating solutions are important to many of my constituents, and federal regulations must take into account the real world needs and time constraints of industries, like wood stove manufacturers, that make these products. This bill is a simple one – it gives wood stove manufacturers the time they need to comply with federal regulations and develop new technologies. I’m pleased to join Rep. Peterson in introducing this bipartisan bill,” said Congressman Goodlatte.

HPBA and its members are encouraged by early support for this legislation, and look forward to working with the cosponsoring Representatives listed below to protect American manufacturing jobs and ensure common sense environmental policies.

Extending the date that the NSPS requirements go into effect will not only provide manufacturers with equal opportunity and necessary access to testing labs, itwill also ensure stability in the retailer market, an important staple to healthy local economies. Furthermore, additional time will allow for the development of more efficient and reliable wood-burning heaters for American homes. The regulations only apply to wood-burning appliances manufactured after May 15, 2015, not to existing products in homes.

HPBA and its members have been long-time champions of wood-burning product innovation through more efficient and cleaner-burning technology. Biomass, such as wood, is an important renewable home heating option. HPBA takes every opportunity to ensure the general public has a wide variety of wood-burning appliances available.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Virginia, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of barbecue, patio and hearth appliances, fuels, and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education. Contact Carrie deGuzman at (703) 522-0086, X 116 or visit www.hpba.org.