We have an important update to share – the EPA is going to release a PROPOSAL which, if enacted, would provide sell-through for Step 1 appliances until November 30, 2020. After the 45-day comment period (which begins the date the proposal is published in the Federal Register), EPA will make a final decision on the proposal; if EPA grants sell-through, retailers will legally be allowed to sell Step 1 appliances through November 30, 2020. There are still a number of questions that we are working on getting answered, so stay tuned for additional updates in the coming days. 

Between May 15 and whenever (if ever) sell-through is provided, you should store your Step 1 appliances in your back room or warehouse with signs that clearly state “NOT FOR SALE.” If sell-through is not granted, you will not be able to sell these Step 1 products. You will not even be able to give them away. 

As we’ve been saying from the beginning, nothing is definite until the final rule is published, but this is a promising new development. 

This wouldn’t have happened if our members hadn’t stepped up to share their stories with us so we could share them with the EPA – your participation made the difference. There will be a 45-day public comment period and your feedback will once again be needed. EPA will need to hear from you directly for the proposal to stand any chance of being adopted. Please contact Rachel Feinstein if you have any questions.

For more information, visit our website: https://www.hpba.org/Advocacy/EPAs-NSPS

As we quickly approach the Step 2 effective date (May 15th), some businesses still have some Step 1 stoves left in their inventory. MAHPBA Board Members came up with an idea to address this, and HPBA reached out to the EPA and received official word that a simple donation program could be set-up with qualifying non-profit organizations. These approved non-profit organizations will manage the ownership and distribution of the stoves to identified homeowners in need.

To participate in Stoves to Home, we ask that you complete a donation form before May 15th.

For more information about the pre-approved non-profit organizations, how to donate products, FAQs, and to submit a donation form, please visit the Stoves to Homes page on the HPBA website.

Please contact Shannon Good if you have any questions on the donation form, and Rachel Feinstein if you have any questions for HPBA.

MAHPBA Government Affairs

New Jersey Master Hearth Specialist

UPDATE

We hope each and every one of you are healthy and doing well, as we work through these trying times. MAHPBA spoke with the Master Hearth Specialist Board Chairperson yesterday and confirmed that the State Of New Jersey Department of Consumer Affairs offices are shut down. 

Those of you that have applied for your NJ Master Hearth Specialist License will need to be patient. The review and approval of NJ Master Hearth Specialist Licenses has been temporarily put on hold until NJ State Board meetings can safely resume.  

For those of you who have been ordered to “Stay at Home”, this is a great opportunity to continue down the road of acquiring your NFI MHP Status. 

Recent & Upcoming 2020 MHS Board Meetings:

March 9^th – Cancelled.

April 13^th  – Pending,  but will be cancelled

May 11^th  –  Pending  

June  8^th  –  Pending

July 13^th  –  Pending

Aug.10^th   –  Pending

Click here to tell your member of Congress to support this legislation.

We are excited to announce that Governor Murphy signed S1303/A3118 into law on August 23, 2019. Please find our Press Release.

What’s the Truth and What are Just Rumors

NSPS Information for Consumers

NSPS Toolkit

HPBA Applauds Introduction of National Woodstove Changeout Legislation