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A coalition led by PMI helped Texas become the second state to require high-efficiency toilets in all new residential and commercial construction. Texas HB 2667 also sets maximum showerhead flow rates at 2.5 GPM and urinal flush volumes at 0.5-gpf. Effective Sept. 1, 2009, the legislation mandates that toilet and urinal manufacturers phase in HETs over the next four years, starting with 50% of in-state sales by Jan. 1, 2010, and culminating with 100% by Jan. 1, 2014.
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Longwood, Fla.-based, Comprehensive Energy Services Inc. has been awarded the mechanical contracting for the First United Methodist Church of Orlando project, valued at $1,800,000. The project consists of the demolition of existing HVAC systems and installation of a new chilled water system, including two 160-ton air cooled chillers, 12 air handling units, chilled water pumps, exhaust fans, boiler and building automation controls.
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The Unified Group has announced that Shoffner Mechanical Services, Knoxville, Tenn., is the group's newest member. Shoffner Mechanical was formed in 1970 and serves the Eastern Tennessee area.
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IAPMO R&T, a plumbing and mechanical product certification agency, has surpassed 1,200 product listings to the specifications of the International Plumbing Code. IAPMO R&T is accredited by the American National Standards Institute and the Standards Council of Canada.
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EMCOR Group has announced that its EMCOR Services New England Mechanical subsidiary has received a contract for the renovation and subsequent maintenance of Verizon Wireless' central switching station in Windsor, Conn. The contract entails mechanical, electrical, fire suppression and security systems.
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The International Code Council is the newest WaterSmart Innovations partner and supporter of the urban water efficiency conference. The second WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition, slated for Oct. 7-9, Las Vegas, is presented by the Southern Nevada Water Authority in conjunction with the U.S. EPA's WaterSense Program and others. “The partnership dovetails with other code council initiatives to support efficient water use,” said Jay Peters, the council's executive director of plumbing, mechanical and fuel gas.
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The federal minimum wage increased to $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009. The Fair Labor Standards Act also provides for a “Youth Minimum Wage.” A minimum wage of not less than $4.25 may be paid to employees under the age of 20 for their first 90 consecutive calendar days of employment as long as their work does not displace other employees. After 90 consecutive days of employment, or when the employee reaches age 20 (whichever comes first), the employee must receive at least the federal minimum wage.