PMI-Supported Report Language to Maintain WaterSense Program Included in Senate EPA Budget Bill
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#PMI–In response to requests and meetings from Plumbing
Manufacturers International (PMI) and its members, as well as from
other supporters of the EPA’s WaterSense
program, the Senate Interior/EPA Appropriations Subcommittee included
report language rejecting the proposed elimination of the program in its
long-awaited fiscal year 2018 (FY18) budget.
The language included in the subcommittee’s report reads: “The Committee
rejects the proposed elimination of the WaterSense program, and provides
not less than the fiscal year 2017 level.” Similar report language,
supported by PMI, was also included in the House Interior Appropriations
measure this summer. The language sends a strong message to the agency
from Congress to preserve this valuable program.
PMI applauds Appropriations Committee members, led by Interior/EPA Chair
Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and ranking member Tom Udall (D-N.M.), for
rejecting calls to eliminate the WaterSense program, as well as Senators
Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Lindsey Graham
(R-S.C.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.).
Earlier this year, the Trump Administration had targeted 50 EPA
programs, including the WaterSense program. For months, PMI and its
members, along with a number of trade associations and nongovernmental
organizations, have met with dozens of congressional representatives to
promote the continued funding and operation of the program. A true
public-private partnership, WaterSense is a voluntary program that
identifies water-efficient, high-performing plumbing products.
Plumbing manufacturers have developed more than 21,000
WaterSense-labeled product models for use in kitchens and bathrooms,
including showerheads, toilets, faucets, faucet accessories, flushing
urinals, and flushometer-valve toilets found in commercial and
institutional facilities, as well as pre-rinse spray valves for
commercial kitchens.
More than 1,900 manufacturers, water and energy utilities, distributors,
state and local governments, non-profit organizations, trade
associations, and retailers nationwide have partnered with the
WaterSense program.
Congress needs to act on its FY18 budget by December 8.
To view the FY18 Senate Interior budget and report, go to: https://www.appropriations.senate.gov/news/majority/fy2018-interior-environment-appropriations-bill-released
About Plumbing Manufacturers International
Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary, not-for-profit
international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing
products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member
companies produce 90 percent of the nation’s plumbing products. As part
of its mission, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance and
innovation contributing to water savings, sustainability, public health
and safety, and consumer satisfaction. For more information on PMI or
its conferences, contact the organization at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G,
Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. www.safeplumbing.org.
Contacts
Plumbing Manufacturers International
Ray Valek, 708-352-8695
[email protected]
