March 07, 2018
Hearth Industry Applauds House Vote to Delay Second Step of New Source Performance Standards
Additional Three Years Provides Needed Time to Design, Test New Products
Arlington, Va. - The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) praised the vote today in the House of Representatives that allows manufacturers of woodburning appliances an extension in meeting the second step of EPA’s New Source Performance Standards. The woodstove and heater industry had expressed concern that the deadlines in place for the second set of standards do not provide the time to test and manufacture the cleaner-burning appliances mandated by the new regulation.
The legislation, the Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act (H.R. 453), extends the deadline for complying with a second set of EPA emissions standards for woodburning appliances from 2020 to 2023. The first step of new standards came into effect in May 2015, decreasing emissions by 90 percent for some appliances. The three-year extension will provide manufacturers enough time to research, develop and test new products that meet EPA standards. The bill, sponsored by Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN-07) and supported by Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA-06) along with 20 other Representatives, passed the House on a bipartisan vote of 234-180 as part of H.R. 1917.
“This is a great day for manufacturers and consumers of woodburning appliances,” stated Jack Goldman, president and CEO, HPBA. “The three additional years will give the manufacturers the time they need to design and certify a variety of products that meet these standards and provide the choice that consumers expect. I’m pleased that we were able to work with Congress to move this legislation forward and we call on the Senate to act quickly and pass S. 1857.”
HPBA and its members have been long-time champions of woodburning product innovation through more efficient and cleaner-burning technology, but has raised concerns in the past about the implementation and timelines of the EPA’s new standards. Its government affairs team continues to work through the legislative process to address these concerns.
###