Hearth & Home Technologies Responds to EPA's Proposed Rules for Wood Stoves
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) March 09, 2014 -- Representatives from the leading provider of hearth products, Hearth & Home Technologies® (HHT), were among a group of hearth manufacturing professionals and Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) members that testified Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) public hearing in Boston, Massachusetts, in response to new wood stove standards recently proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Long-standing supporters of EPA efforts and the development of clean-burning hearth products, HHT representatives spoke in support of updating EPA NSPS standards, but expressed concern regarding unspecified regulations and the lack of consistent, reliable testing methods for the new regulations.
“We embrace continuous improvement and support the EPA’s efforts to update the NSPS standards,” said Peter Dircks, vice president of Marketing at Hearth & Home Technologies. “However, the current proposal includes unclear, untested standards that make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to comply.”
HHT, along with other hearth manufacturers and industry stakeholders, are pushing for standards that can be reliably measured on a consistent basis. The group is also pushing for testing scenarios that reflect how consumers use stoves in real-world settings. Without reliable measurement and realistic testing, the EPA proposal will mean even higher product costs for consumers and uncertain, unproven environmental benefits.
“We are eager to continue working with the EPA to develop meaningful requirements and testing procedures that produce a proven low emissions benefit and products that consumers can afford,” said Dircks.
While Feb. 26 was the only hearing scheduled regarding the proposed wood stove standards, concerned organizations and individuals have until May 5, 2014, to submit formal, written comments. To submit a comment, visit the EPA website here: http://www..epa.gov/residential-wood-heaters/how-comment-proposed-new-source-performance-standards-residential-wood.
About Hearth and Home Technologies®
Hearth & Home Technologies® (HHT) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of fireplaces, stoves, inserts and hearth accessories for residential and commercial applications. HHT comprises the industry’s best and most-recognized brands, including Heat & Glo®, Heatilator®, Quadra-Fire®, Harman® and SimpliFire™. The company also manages Fireside Hearth & Home® retail stores and builder design centers. HHT thrives on continuous improvement and incorporates the latest technologies and designs into its vast line of hearth products. Hearth & Home Technologies is a subsidiary of HNI Corporation. For more information, visit http://www.hearthnhome.com.
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Julie Goetz, http://www.heatnglo.com, +1 952-452-3663, [email protected]
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