PMI-Supported WaterSense Legislation Approved by U.S. House

Rolling Meadows, Ill. – Dec. 7, 2015 – Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) efforts advocating the authorization of the EPA’s WaterSense program reached a new plateau with this week’s passing of the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 8) by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The act includes a bipartisan, PMI-supported amendment officially authorizing WaterSense. Achieving authorization will help ensure the voluntary program’s continuance. PMI worked closely with the sponsors of the amendment, Representatives Bob Latta (R-Ohio) and Jerry McNerney (D-California), to gain support. “Plumbing Manufacturers International applauds Representatives Latta and McNerney for their leadership to include WaterSense authorization in H.R. 8,” said Barbara C. Higgens, PMI CEO and executive director. “The successful private-public WaterSense program has helped consumers save billions of gallons of water since its inception in 2006. Authorization will strengthen the program and assure even more significant savings in the future.”

More than 13,000 different models of products and services have earned the WaterSense label. Many of the products are manufactured by PMI member companies, including showerheads, toilets, urinals, faucets, faucet accessories, and commercial pre-rinse sprays. Products earning the WaterSense label have been certified as meeting performance standards while being at least 20 percent more water efficient than other products meeting federal standards in the same category.

What’s next?

The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on a bipartisan energy reform bill sponsored by Senate Energy Committee Chair Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in the new year. The Senate would then reconcile its energy overhaul package with H.R. 8. PMI will continue to work to ensure that WaterSense authorization remains intact in a final energy package.

About PMI

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 about 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. Visit our website at www.safeplumbing.org.

Media Contacts

Ray Valek, ray@valekco.com, 708-352-8695

Dawn Robinson, drobinson@safeplumbing.org, Office: 847-481-5500 ext. 103, Cell: 847-217-6848