Chris Czarnecki is ACCA's Director of Government Relations & Advocacy.
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Department of Labor Releases Final Rule on Overtime Threshold for Salaried Employees
On April 23, the Department of Labor released its final rule altering the overtime regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act. This new rule introduces two-tiered increases to the minimum salary threshold for ‘white collar’ salaried employees. ACCA has been closely monitoring this rule and its impact on contractor members.
How are elected leaders and candidates working on sensible changes that foster growth in vocational work? That was the topic of a special virtual town hall event ACCA hosted for members with West Virginia Treasurer and Congressional Candidate Riley Moore on April 2. Read more about this here.
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OSHA Finalizes Walkaround Rule, Allowing Non-Employees on Workplace Inspections
On March 29, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued its final “Walkaround” Rule that will have major implications for workplace inspections and, potentially, labor relations in the industry. ACCA members can read more here.
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ACCA Submits Comments to Treasury Regarding Proposed Pin Requirement for 25C, Treasury Seeking Further Input from Contractors
Earlier this year, 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 provided comments to Treasury regarding the proposed regulations, with a specific focus on several points. ACCA members can read more here.
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Senator Cruz and Representative Fischbach Introduce Resolutions to Overturn DOE’s Ban on Non-Condensing Furnaces
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.
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House Passes Tax Legislation, Sending it to Senate
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.
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ACCA Comments on EPA’s HFC Refrigerant Management Rule Under the AIM Act
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.
The EPA recently introduced two major rules. The HFC Refrigerant Management Rule, still in the proposal stage, and the finalized Technology Transitions Rule were put forward under the AIM Act to reduce the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85 percent over the next 15 years. Read more here.
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ACCA Raises Defense Production Act Concerns with Congress Regarding Heat Pumps
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.
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ACCA Submits Comments Opposing Overtime and Walkaround Rules
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.
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Understanding COP
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.
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Proposed “Walkaround” Rule from OSHA Would Allow Third Parties to Join Inspections
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.
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Department of Labor Finalizes Rule Modernizing Davis-Bacon Act
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.
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Refrigerant Transition Update: EPA Publishes Final Rule on Allowances for HFCs
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.
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Huge Win for Contractors! EPA’s Disposable Cylinder Ban Struck Down in Court
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.
Recently, ACCA has been fighting for our members on two fronts to ensure you are not penalized as business owners and employers. Read more in this edition of Capitol Insights.
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Refrigerant Transition Update: EPA Publishes SNAP 25, Proposes SNAP 26, Adding New Refrigerants as Acceptable
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.