Author: Chris Czarnecki

Last week, Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Michelle Fischbach introduced S.J.Res.58 and H.J.Res.111, which would overturn DOE’s rule prohibiting the sale of all non-condensing natural gas furnaces. ACCA members can read more here.

The House of Representatives passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024) by a margin of 357-70. The bill allows for the immediate expensing of research and experimentation expenditures, reinstates the less restrictive “EBIT” cap on interest expense deductions, and restores 100-percent bonus depreciation, which is set to expire. ACCA members can read more here.

Last month, the Department of Treasury and IRS proposed regulations to implement product identification number (PIN) requirements for taxpayers who use the 25C residential energy efficiency tax credit. ACCA members can read more here.

Recently, ACCA submitted formal comments to EPA regarding their proposed rulemaking on HFC management, including refrigerants widely used in the industry. Learn more in this ACCA member-only blog post. 

President Biden recently invoked the Defense Production Act (DPA) to accelerate the production of heat pumps to compel American households to switch from gas to electric heating. ACCA members can learn more here.

Earlier this month, ACCA submitted formal comments to the Department of Labor and OSHA opposing the recently proposed overtime and ‘walkaround’ rules that raise significant concerns for employers. ACCA members can learn more here.

As HVAC technicians, we often delve into the world of heat pumps, but do we really understand the full potential of the Coefficient of Performance (COP)? It’s not just a number; it’s a key diagnostic tool that can boost our service quality, reduce customer callbacks, and ultimately increase our revenue. ACCA members can learn how here.

Recently, OSHA proposed a rule that would allow non-employees, including union officials and other individuals, to accompany federal safety inspectors during workplace inspections. Click here to learn more.

Recently, the Department of Labor finalized a rule that enacted the largest changes to the Davis Bacon Act in several decades. The effort focused on ‘modernizing’ the regulations, allowing the department to more easily administer and enforce Davis-Bacon-related standards. Read more about the changes in this members-only blog.

In accordance with the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which was enacted in 2021 to address environmental concerns, the EPA has issued a final rule mandating a 40% reduction in HFCs starting from 2024. Read more in this members-only blog.

On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals (the Court) issued an opinion granting ACCA’s petition to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ban on disposable cylinders and proposed QR code tracking system. Read more in this members-only blog.

Alternative refrigerants are being used to replace HFC refrigerants in various applications, including refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps. Learn more in this members-only blog. 

Last week, Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) reintroduced S.1706, the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, which would make the Section 199A deduction for small businesses structured as ‘S-corporations’ or ‘pass-through entities’ permanent. Read more on this members-only blog. 

Last month, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development held a hearing on workforce issues, particularly those facing the skilled trades, and potential solutions for small businesses and prospective employees. Read more in this member-only blog post.

The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act would radically rewrite labor laws to restrict employers’ rights. Read more about the PRO Act in this blog.