For the first time ever, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) hosted its annual legislative conference in a virtual format, providing PHCC members, chapter executives and industry partners the opportunity talk directly with legislators despite access restrictions on Capitol Hill.

At the June 15-16 PHCC 2021 virtual Legislative Conference, attendees let their voice be heard on a range of topics impacting the future of the plumbing and HVAC industry. Most significantly, attendees educated lawmakers on the important role the plumbing and HVAC industry can play in rebuilding America’s infrastructure and the economy.

“We were so pleased to provide this alternative format this year so that our members could again have direct access to policymakers,” said PHCC President Hunter Botto. “With the cancelation of the 2020 conference because of the pandemic, our members were very eager this year to connect with their representatives again, and presented a very focused, positive and energetic message on behalf of PHCC and the industry. We look forward to doing it in-person next year in Washington, D.C.”

The 2021 conference agenda included insider political analysis from keynote speakers and guests, including Reid Wilson of The Hill newspaper, with his keynote speech, “Politics, Politics, Politics!” as well as comments from Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC).

Attendees also received critical targeted issues briefing and advocacy tips from PHCC’s legislative and regulatory staff, and a closing reception provided a chance for attendees to share their experiences.

The state delegations from across the U.S. advocated on important topics such as skills training and apprenticeship, the industry’s role in rebuilding and reinforcing America’s water and buildings infrastructure and the importance of maintaining a balanced and cost-effective energy portfolio to include fossil fuels, including natural gas and propane, to meet America’s energy needs.

The virtual platform made it convenient for PHCC contractors to connect directly with their Congressional representatives to discuss important provisions of President Joe Biden’s infrastructure bill, and how allocated funds for projects, specific to the plumbing and HVAC industry, impact them. The PHCC groups encouraged lawmakers to support robust funding for water systems and building resiliency, and to remember that “The infrastructure we don’t see is equally as important as what we do see.”

The 2022 Legislative Conference is scheduled to be in-person for May 24-25, 2022, Washington, D.C. In addition, PHCC Director of Legislative Affairs Mark Valentini and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chuck White will present a political update at PHCCCONNECT2021.