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Misty Guard

About the Column

Misty Guard discusses how companies and plumbing and mechanical engineers can effectively navigate the intersection of laws, regulations, codes, standards, and public policies. Drawing on her expertise in areas such as water and plumbing, energy and mechanical systems, environmental issues, public health, electrical safety in explosive atmospheres, and innovation policies, she provides valuable insights on compliance.

Would you like to explore how to help your company navigate the complexities of plumbing and engineering compliance? Connect with Misty Guard.

]]> https://www.pmmag.com/rss/6670 en-us The Impact of EU Reach on Plumbing Component Materials http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107418 Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107418-the-impact-of-eu-reach-on-plumbing-component-materials New Mexico's PFAS regulations signal a new regulatory era http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107345 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107345-new-mexicos-pfas-regulations-signal-a-new-regulatory-era Beyond flow rates: the structural shift in state-level mechanical and plumbing regulation http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107261 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 07:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107261-beyond-flow-rates-the-structural-shift-in-state-level-mechanical-and-plumbing-regulation Navigating the United States perchlorate rulemaking: compliance strategies for the May 2027 final rule deadline http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107222 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107222-navigating-the-united-states-perchlorate-rulemaking-compliance-strategies-for-the-may-2027-final-rule-deadline Revisiting “forever chemicals”: EPA updates TSCA PFAS reporting rules Proposed adjustments could ease reporting requirements while maintaining oversight of high-risk substances.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107162 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107162-revisiting-forever-chemicals-epa-updates-tsca-pfas-reporting-rules The European union's due diligence mandate: implications in a global economy The EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), approved in 2024, presents a major challenge for U.S. companies, especially in the mechanical and manufacturing sectors. It aims to promote sustainable corporate behavior by requiring companies to identify and address adverse human rights and environmental impacts in their global value chains.



]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107057 Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107057-the-european-unions-due-diligence-mandate-implications-in-a-global-economy Design for compliance: navigating the next generation of plumbing and mechanical standards Staying up to date on consensus standards is essential for system designers, manufacturers, and facilities managers to ensure compliance and minimize liability. Recently, I’ve compiled activities relevant to the plumbing and mechanical industries.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/107008 Fri, 21 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/107008-design-for-compliance-navigating-the-next-generation-of-plumbing-and-mechanical-standards From air compressors to plumbing fixtures: Navigating Canada's sweeping new efficiency standards In 2016, Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan") released Amendment 18 to the Energy Efficiency Regulations, enhancing energy efficiency and water conservation. It introduces new product categories, updates existing requirements, and allows automatic adoption of future U.S. Department of Energy updates.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106861 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106861-from-air-compressors-to-plumbing-fixtures-navigating-canadas-sweeping-new-efficiency-standards Mid-year regulatory trends in plumbing & mechanical systems Throughout this period, global governments have been notably active on issues related to chemicals, household equipment, HVAC equipment, mechanical systems, plumbing products, protective equipment, and water heating appliances. I have curated the policy changes to save you time and keep you informed and ahead of the curve.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106761 Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106761-mid-year-regulatory-trends-in-plumbing-and-mechanical-systems Navigating the Latest WaterSense Updates: What Plumbing Professionals Need to Know About Tank-Type Toilets and Faucets The U.S. EPA WaterSense program promotes water conservation by certifying products that save water without sacrificing performance, helping consumers select high-performing, water-efficient products.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106663 Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106663-navigating-the-latest-watersense-updates-what-plumbing-professionals-need-to-know-about-tank-type-toilets-and-faucets The Age of Deregulation? Proposed Changes to Federal Energy Efficiency and Water Conservation Standards As the second Trump administration gets underway, it has taken an aggressive approach to reducing the energy efficiency and water conservation federal regulations that have been the subject of numerous United States (U.S.) rulemakings and court cases over the last few decades.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106620 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106620-the-age-of-deregulation-proposed-changes-to-federal-energy-efficiency-and-water-conservation-standards ICC Group modifications for U.S. building and safety codes The International Code Council's (ICC) Group B proposes modifications to certain United States (U.S.) building and safety codes.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106550 Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106550-icc-group-modifications-for-us-building-and-safety-codes The need for increased vigilance in an uncertain environment 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106465 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106465-the-need-for-increased-vigilance-in-an-uncertain-environment OSHA penalty increases for 2025 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.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106388 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106388-osha-penalty-increases-for-2025 Future U.S. formaldehyde regulations: Impacts on plumbing and mechanical industries 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.


]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106334 Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106334-future-us-formaldehyde-regulations-impacts-on-plumbing-and-mechanical-industries PFAS in the EU: A look at the EU's transparent regulatory process 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106293 Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106293-pfas-in-the-eu-a-look-at-the-eus-transparent-regulatory-process U.S. Accessibility Primer: ADA and FHA 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106237 Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106237-us-accessibility-primer-ada-and-fha The code development cycle for National Standard Plumbing Code is open 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!

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106169 Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106169-the-code-development-cycle-for-national-standard-plumbing-code-is-open Stay informed about upcoming regulatory issues 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).

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106027 Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106027-stay-informed-about-upcoming-regulatory-issues Plumbing and HVAC policy changes from around the world 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105892 Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105892-plumbing-and-hvac-policy-changes-from-around-the-world Understanding U.S. state-level PFAS legislation 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105701 Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105701-understanding-us-state-level-pfas-legislation 'The ramifications of EPA’s revisions to WaterSense specifications 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.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105702 Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105702-the-ramifications-of-epas-revisions-to-watersense-specifications Dissecting IAPMO’s proposed code change monographs The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials' (IAPMO) monographs of proposals for modifications to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC).

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105703 Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105703-dissecting-iapmos-proposed-code-change-monographs Navigating product access in the US Join us in unraveling product access complexities in the US. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, we'll provide insights for successful product compliance. Thank you for embarking on this journey with us!

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105704 Fri, 03 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105704-navigating-product-access-in-the-us Code Council proposals for Group A code modifications While exploring International Code Council's first report of proposals for modifications to the Group A Codes, I became curious about which codes are being discussed the most. I decided to take a deeper look and get answers to three questions.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/106008 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/106008-code-council-proposals-for-group-a-code-modifications Packaging laws and a circular economy Have you heard of terms like "circular economy" or "EPR"? They describe regulations aimed at reducing packaging waste and promoting recycling. Let's explore California's draft regulation for implementing the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105706 Thu, 29 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105706-packaging-laws-and-a-circular-economy The lowdown on energy, water systems, refrigerants and product standards activity In February, Standards Development Organizations review end-of-year activities. Energy, water systems, refrigerants, and products had a lot of activity in 2023. See lists for new, revised, or reaffirmed standards, standards in development, and withdrawn standards.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105707 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105707-the-lowdown-on-energy-water-systems-refrigerants-and-product-standards-activity Upcoming 2027 code development cycles This year starts the code development cycle for the building and safety codes to be published in 2027 for the United States (U.S.).

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105689 Fri, 05 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105689-upcoming-2027-code-development-cycles Forever chemicals in the news Reviewing the final rule carefully can help you understand how it applies to specific products and organizations.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105691 Thu, 30 Nov 2023 23:00:00 -0500 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105691-forever-chemicals-in-the-news The 411 on the Benefits and Requirements of Assistive Tables Have you heard of assistive tables? Over the past few years, this plumbing product has been a hot topic in proposed legislation, code development, and standard development.

]]> http://www.pmmag.com/articles/105692 Fri, 03 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.pmmag.com/articles/105692-the-411-on-the-benefits-and-requirements-of-assistive-tables