Plumbing Manufacturers International Optimistic About Biden Administration’s Priorities

MCLEAN, Va .– (BUSINESS WIRE) – Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) was optimistic about President Joe Biden’s agenda and was quick to work with the Biden administration and 117th Congress as they passed their term in January.

The priorities of the new administration are closely aligned with many of the PMI’s goals, notably to support infrastructure to improve drinking and sanitation systems, an enhanced EPA program that includes WaterSense, and international trade and commerce.

“Improving our national infrastructure is a perfect bipartisan topic for 2021 as it benefits all Americans,” said Kerry Stackpole, CEO / Executive Director of PMI. “The package can not only create urgently needed jobs and economic growth in various areas of our society, but also provide incentives for environmentally friendly, energy and water-saving buildings that have a positive impact on our environment.”

Other major goals of the new administration that will affect plumbing manufacturers include investing in professional training at trade schools and community colleges. Protecting consumers from buying counterfeit and stolen goods; and the use of retrofits to increase the energy efficiency of federal and commercial buildings, said Stephanie Salmon, advisor on affairs for the PMI federal government.

PMI distributed a letter to each member of Congress in January asking them to support these key industry priorities. Additional letters will be sent to new agency administrators once they have been approved. A PMI Government Alert to PMI members in January outlined how PMI will work with the new Congress and Administration to bring industry interests first.

What can the sanitary industry expect from the new administration in the future?

A significant shift in priorities from Trump to Biden

President Biden will ask Congress to approve many of its initiatives, including its economic recovery and tax plans, in its first 100 days. That could prove challenging despite the small majority of Democrats.

With its “Build Back Better” stimulus plan, Biden hopes to create millions of jobs through a series of large investments, Salmon said. The plan, due to be initiated in February, calls for trillions of dollars to be spent on US-made products, health services, and infrastructure improvements. The proposed package includes $ 400 billion to boost domestic manufacturing through sourcing and another $ 300 billion for research and development, she said. The plan also includes a comprehensive package to address the country’s aging drinking water and sewer systems – another PMI priority.

PMI’s letter to Congress highlighted the need for millions of Americans in underserved communities to have access to running water and basic plumbing. New water infrastructure would help provide this much-needed access, especially during a pandemic that has demonstrated the importance of adequate sanitation, good hygiene and clean water in maintaining excellent public health, Salmon said.

To pay for many of these initiatives, Biden said he would propose a corporation tax increase from 21 percent, a rate set under Trump’s 2017 plan, to 28 percent, as well as a social security wage tax of 12.4 percent for those who do earn $ 400,000 or more. Biden has promised anyone who earns less than $ 400,000 a year will not raise their taxes.

Biden is likely to overturn some of the Trump administrative rules, such as the new shower head rule that was released in December 2020, Salmon said. The new rule stipulates that multiple shower heads can be used together to deliver 7.5 gallons of water per minute, up from the old rule of 2.5 gallons per minute. In a Washington Post article about the rule, Stackpole said, “It was a regulatory solution looking to a problem – a problem that doesn’t really exist. The marketplace didn’t ask for it. ”

The uncertainty about tariffs remains

Finally, trading is another major priority for PMI members. PMI’s letter to congressional pointed out the importance of the plumbing industry to work with the Biden government to raise Section 301 tariffs, which serve as taxes for American consumers and businesses. Salmon noted that Biden may plan to temporarily maintain the 25 percent tariffs on Section 301 imports, which is a problem for PMI members as most use imported parts and materials from China. “It is something that we will carefully watch and weigh,” she said.

About sanitary manufacturers international

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is the trade association of sanitary ware manufacturers who manufacture more than 90 percent of the sanitary ware products in the United States, represent more than 150 well-known brands, and develop safe, reliable, and innovative water efficient sanitary ware technologies. PMI members contribute more than 464,000 jobs and an economic impact of $ 85.5 billion to the American economy.

With a vision of safe and responsible plumbing, PMI is always committed to the performance of plumbing products that contribute to water efficiency and savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. PMI members manufacture and market water-efficient toilets, urinals, faucets, shower heads, and other products in more than 70 locations across the country and online and in more than 24,000 hardware stores, hardware stores, and showrooms in all 50 states. For more information on PMI, contact the organization at 1750 Tysons Blvd., Ste. 1500, McLean, Va., 22102; Tel .: 847-481-5500. www.safeplumbing.org.