Misty Guard

The second United States Trump administration embarked on a deregulatory agenda, particularly in the water, environmental, and products sectors. President Trump started the release of executive orders, memos, and presidential actions in many areas that may be of interest to contractors, engineers, and manufacturers.

As 2025 approaches, the U.S. Department of Labor prepares to unveil its annual inflation adjustments to civil monetary penalties. This year's updates will significantly affect OSHA penalties in the plumbing and mechanical industries. Stay informed about the key changes that could impact your business.

Formaldehyde, vital in resins and adhesives, poses serious health risks, with the U.S. EPA identifying 58 unsafe uses. Regulatory action is needed, but the impact of a potential second Trump administration on these regulations remains uncertain, highlighting concerns for public safety.

As 2025 begins, it's a moment for renewal. In November 2024, ECHA and European authorities updated the REACH proposal to restrict PFAS, aiming to ban them while permitting temporary use until alternatives are available.

This accessibility primer highlights key requirements of the ADA and FHA, focusing on creating inclusive spaces in construction and plumbing while providing actionable insights for contractors and engineers.

The code development cycle for the 2027 National Standard Plumbing Code (NSPC) is open. I encourage your participation in the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the International Code Council (ICC) activities, as your involvement is vital for public health and safety. For guidance, feel free to call me at Regulosity. I look forward to seeing you at the next code hearing!

In this month's article, I've gathered regulatory activities from U.S. government agencies like CPSC, DOE, EPA, FTC, HUD, and SBA. I've organized the activities by agency, rulemaking stage, and included their Regulation Identifier Number (RIN).

In September, we can review global governmental activities related to mechanical and plumbing industries over the first eight months of 2024. During this time, governments have been active on issues such as building design, products, appliances, HVAC equipment, and plumbing products. I have gathered policy changes to keep you informed and ahead of the curve.

A client recently asked about PFAS legislation in the U.S. You can find more information in my columns "PFAS: A Growing Concern" and "Forever Chemicals in the News." I'm also looking into state-level PFAS legislation for my readers.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is making changes to the voluntary WaterSense program for high-efficiency faucets and tank-type water closets (toilets) in 2024. These changes aim to promote water conservation and sustainability but may pose significant challenges for product manufacturers and the building industry.