October 21, 2011
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) Applauds Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers’ Letter to Energy Secretary Steven Chu
Congresswoman Leads Effort to Prevent Regulatory Action Detrimental to Decorative Gas Fireplaces and Gas Logs
Arlington, VA – (October 12, 2011) - Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rogers (R-WA) and 27 other members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu, requesting that the department halt regulatory action that erroneously classifies decorative vented gas fireplaces and gas log sets as products designed and intended to produce heat. The bipartisan group of House members asked the Secretary to suspend DOE’s regulatory proceedings until Congress can enact legislation to clarify the differences between these decorative gas hearth products and heater-rated gas hearth products.
“The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) and the decorative gas industry are grateful for the support from Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers and the other Members of Congress,” said Jack Goldman, president and CEO of HPBA. “DOE’s classification of decorative gas products as ‘direct heating equipment’ was made without input from stakeholders or consumers. If enacted, this rulemaking would put thousands of U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and retail jobs in peril, and would eliminate this much-desired amenity from the American home.”
HPBA and allied associations are buoyed by the bipartisan Congressional support to protect American jobs and look forward to working with Congress and the Department of Energy to craft common sense energy policies. The letter to Secretary Chu is attached, signatories below.
- Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA)
- Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY)
- Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR)
- Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL)
- Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS)
- Rep. David McKinley (R-WV)
- Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA)
- Rep. Cory Gardner (R-CO) Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO)
- Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI)
- Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH)
- Rep. Sue Myrick (R-NC)
- Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA)
- Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY)
- Rep. John Carter (R-TX)
- Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC)
- Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT)
- Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN)
- Rep. John Kline (R-MN)
- Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-PA)
- Rep. Renee Ellmers (R-NC)
- Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-TX)
- Rep. Christopher Gibson (R-NY)
- Rep. Vicki Hartzler (R-MO)
- Rep. Joe Walsh (R-IL)
- Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-MI)
- Rep. Tom Reed (R-NY)
- Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA)
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, based in Arlington, VA, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue and patio appliances, fuels and accessories. The 2500-member association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising and consumer education.