WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Supply Association (ASA) and Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) welcomed more than 120 industry professionals to Washington, D.C., May 5-6 for the 2026 ASA-PHCC Legislative Conference, where participants met directly with lawmakers and congressional staff to advocate for policies impacting the future of the PHCP-PVF supply chain and plumbing and HVAC industries.

Over the course of the two-day event, attendees participated in 127 meetings with legislators and staff on Capitol Hill, discussing key priorities centered around workforce development and energy policy reform.

The conference brought together distributors, manufacturers, and contractors from across the country to provide a unified industry voice on issues directly affecting the plumbing, heating, cooling and pipe-valve-fitting sectors.

Among the primary topics discussed during congressional meetings was the need to strengthen workforce development initiatives and expand pathways into the skilled trades. Attendees advocated for increased support for apprenticeships, career and technical education programs, and expanded Pell Grant eligibility for short-term workforce training programs designed to help address the growing labor shortage impacting the industry. Members encouraged lawmakers to support modernization and strengthening of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to better connect workers with in-demand skilled trades careers and employer-led training opportunities.

Industry members also met with legislators to discuss energy policy priorities, including support for the Energy Choice Act, the Energy Distribution Systems Act (EDSA), and the “Freedom to Choose” amendment to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which would preserve consumer choice and prevent federal overreach related to fuel selection and appliance standards. Participants emphasized the importance of policies that allow homeowners and businesses to choose the energy solutions that best fit their needs while supporting infrastructure reliability, affordability and innovation. Members also highlighted the importance of protecting and modernizing natural gas infrastructure systems that continue to play a critical role in safely delivering affordable energy to homes and businesses nationwide.

“With 15-20% of Congress turning over each election cycle, it is critically important for our industry to come to the nation’s capital and educate elected leaders on the vital role the PHCP-PVF industry plays in the health, safety and well-being of our country,” said ASA CEO Mike Adelizzi. “Having representatives from across the entire channel participating this year strengthened our message and allowed us to speak with a unified voice on behalf of the industry.”

PHCC Vice President of Legislative Affairs Mark Valentini emphasized that the partnership between associations simply makes sense.

“PHCC's partnership with ASA makes sense. Being together in Washington demonstrates the importance of the relationship between contractors and their suppliers," said Valentini. "Our legislative conference underscored the unity of the supply chain in its support of a modernized national energy strategy protecting consumer choice and robust workforce programs promoting the skilled trades.”

ASA and PHCC will continue to advocate on behalf of the plumbing and HVAC industries on legislative and regulatory issues impacting workforce development, energy policy, supply chain operations and the long-term health of the industry.