Industry News

Washington, D.C. — Shortly before adjourning for its election recess, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 4850, legislation that contains long-sought regulatory relief measures for manufacturers of water heaters, small-duct high-velocity equipment and service-over-the-counter commercial refrigerators, as well as technical corrections to the existing U.S. Code. The bill, which was originally passed by the House and then amended and passed by the Senate, will be sent back to the House for its re-consideration during the “lame duck” session expected to occur following the election.

AHRI staff worked diligently with Senators to remove or revise language that could have made passage more problematic. As a result of these efforts, the bill was made more palatable to those Senators who had originally raised objections to the bill on grounds that it increased federal regulatory power. The AHRI-requested changes may also have reduced the number of objections that might have occurred to the bill in the Republican-led House.

AHRI’s Policy Brief includes further details about the legislation. While Congress is in recess, AHRI staff will work with Congressional staff to pave the way for a House vote when lawmakers return. Visit www.ahrinet.org.