Peterson, Goodlatte Introduce Legislation to Ease Wood Stove Regulations

WASHINGTON – Representatives Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., today introduced the Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act of 2017, legislation that would delay emission standards for new residential wood and pellet stoves, hydronic heaters and forced-air furnaces by three years.

“Wood stove manufacturers and consumers simply want to safely and effectively heat their homes during cold winters but further regulations on wood and pellet stoves will make this more difficult. This bipartisan bill will provide the time necessary to meet new requirements without penalizing manufacturers as they seek to make improvements for consumers using these stoves,” Peterson said.

“Affordable heating solutions are important to many of my constituents, and federal regulations must take into account the real world needs and time constraints of industries, like wood stove manufacturers, that make these products. This bill is a simple one – it gives wood stove manufacturers the time they need to comply with federal regulations and develop new technologies. I’m pleased to join Rep. Peterson in introducing this bipartisan bill,” said Goodlatte.

The legislation follows a March 2015 EPA rule requiring a significant reduction of particulate matter in wood heater emissions through a two-step process. While there is broad support for the first step, the second step forces further restrictions within an unworkable timeframe. Delaying this second requirement to May 15, 2023 will provide manufacturers the time needed to make the technological advancements in new, efficient wood stoves.

Reps. Jason Smith, R, Mo., Billy Long, R-Mo., Jason Lewis, R-Minn., Tom Emmer, R-Minn., James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., and Ron Kind, D-Wis., are original cosponsors.