March 11, 2020
Statement from HPBA in Response to EPA’s Pre-Publication of Wood Heater Rule
Arlington, VA, March 11, 2020 – “HPBA and our 70 wood and pellet appliance manufacturing members and more than 2000 retailer members are deeply disappointed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to not grant any sell-through for the products affected by the NSPS, emissions regulations for new wood heaters. In this decision, EPA chose to ignore the comments, data, and real world impacts on small businesses that more than adequately demonstrated the need for a period of time after the May 15, 2020 effective date of Step 2 to sell currently EPA-certified Step 1 wood heaters.
As an industry that is largely made up of small and family-owned businesses, this is especially difficult to absorb. Sell-through would have allowed our retailers to continue to sell the Step 1-certified woodburning appliances for a set amount of time. This type of relief is typically provided in recognition of the difficulty retailers often experience in the consumer product market.
It is especially important to note that today’s Step 1 woodburning appliances are a major step forward in product development and emissions reduction. They burn 1/3 less wood than stoves manufactured and sold fifteen years ago. Allowing the remaining Step 1 appliances to be sold would still lower emissions and allow our retailers to recoup their investment in the product line. On May 15, 2020, perfectly good products in small businesses across the country will immediately become boat anchors.”
About the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA)
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Va., 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.
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Media Contact: Emily McGee, 703-522-0086, ext. 116, mcgee@hpba.org