From Advocacy Chair, Debbie Wiedwald
Please pay attention to the time-sensitive alerts & state updates. The NCSG Advocacy Policy Action webpage https://ncsg.memberclicks.net/policy-action#!/ is available to report proposed legislative changes or work trade restrictions. Please educate yourself and your customers on these important issues and vote in upcoming elections.
The NCSG Advocacy Committee is recruiting volunteers to assist with Government Affairs. Please fill out the NCSG Join a Committee form to be a part of Advocacy efforts. The next Advocacy committee meeting is Monday, July 24 at 4pm EST, 1pm PST - https://ncsg.memberclicks.net/join-a-committee
Let me know if you have any questions,
Debbie Wiedwald
NCSG Advocacy Committee Chair
[email protected]
Standards Update Time Sensitive
UL 1390 Ed. 1 open for public comment - Fireplace Inserts and Hearth-Mounted Stoves for Installation into Masonry Fireplaces May 2023 draft is open for public comment through July 4, 2023. Please reach out to me at [email protected] to obtain a copy of the UL 1390 standard or to provide your comments that will be forwarded to the UL 1390 Task Force.
NFPA 211 Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) open for public comment - National Fire Protection Association 211 Proposed 2024 Edition Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel‐Burning Appliances regarding “15.4.2.4 the requirement to inspect all chimney flues and all flue liners in 15.4.2.3 shall be limited to the chimney flues and flue liners requested to be inspected” is open for public comment through July 6, 2023. Please review posts from Michael Segerstrom on this page regarding instructions on how to submit your comments.
NFPA 54 – Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) open for public comment National Fire Protection Association 54 Proposed 2024 Edition National Fuel Gas Code regarding editorial changes is open for public comment through July 17, 2023. This TIA does not address inspection procedures related to fuel gas service. Other fuel gas industry professionals on the NFPA 54 committee have not wanted to align NFPA 54 examination procedures with NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances inspection procedures.
Fuel Choice – Forced Electrification States Updates
There are 24 states that provide consumer Fuel Choice protections.
NCSG Position on Fuel Choice / Forced Electrification
The National Chimney Sweep Guild (NCSG) advocates for a clean environment through diverse and sustainable fuel choice options for our nation that support emissions reduction. We are advocating for less greenhouse gases, and to understand that forced electrification would endanger millions of US citizens. The electric grid cannot support necessary usage without the continued burning of fossil fuels. Alternative fuel sources are needed for homeowner and commercial uses.
North Carolina – HB 130 Energy Choice bill is awaiting the Governor’s final review & action. The legislation had passed both chambers with a large, bipartisan majority.
Wisconsin – SB 49 Energy Choice Bill passed Senate, sent to the House.
Berkeley, California filed requesting rehearing with 11 new judges arguing against the April 17, 2023 appeal decision. See article for more details - https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/06/04/berkeley-challenges-appeals-court-ruling-on-natural-gas-ban/
Appliance Standards – New York & Rhode Island
New York & Rhode Island – Standing Pilot Standards Update – please see North East HPBA update for details - https://nehpba.org/nehpba-blog/ny-ri-standing-pilot-standards-update