LAS VEGAS, NV — New rules on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting, the skilled worker shortage, and tax incentives for manufacturers were among the significant topics that created a dynamic discussion at the PMI Power Break and Briefing at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS).
The event was well attended, with about half of PMI member companies represented. Attendees included Veronica Blette, chief, WaterSense Branch, of the EPA Office of Wastewater Management; Katelynn Tiongson, international trade and business industry analyst with the Department of Commerce; PMI Strategic Advisory Council member Shawn Oldenhoff of Kohler; and PMI Board of Directors members Paige Riddle of LSP Products, Belinda Wise of Neoperl and Chip Way of Lavelle Industries.
PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole said PMI is tracking 980 federal and state bills, of which 125 will likely impact PMI members. PMI’s “over-the-horizon” tracking focuses on new legislation and regulations about plumbing, water and environmental issues such as single-use plastics, extended producer responsibility, water shortages, and water quality, Stackpole added.
PMI’s Federal Government Affairs Consultant Stephanie Salmon and PMI’s California Government Affairs Consultant Jerry Desmond provided details about new legislation or regulations that may affect PMI members. At the federal level, PMI is advocating for the restoration of expired tax breaks for manufacturers that would allow them to invest more in their businesses, create jobs, and better compete in the global marketplace. In California, the focus is on issues including water efficiency, water quality, corporate climate accountability, recycling and PFAS.
