The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“PLUMBING STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Energy was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E156-E157 on Feb. 8, 1999.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
PLUMBING STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
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HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG
of michigan
in the house of representatives
Monday, February 8, 1999
Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to day to introduce the Plumbing Standards Improvement Act of 1999. This bill would begin to restore common sense to our government by repealing the ridiculous federal mandates on toilet size and showerhead flow, 1.6 gallons per flush and 2.5 gallons per minute, respectively.
In 1992, Congress considered and eventually passed the Energy Policy Act (EPA). At that time, a unique coalition of environmental activist and plumbing manufacturers joined forces to expand the size of our already bloated government and push for a national policy on, of all things, plumbing products. With the help of the U.S. Department of Energy, this coalition claimed it was essential to ban certain types of toilets and showerheads. Instead of allowing individuals to make their own choices, this group claimed the federal government should choose the types of plumbing fixtures Americans can use in their private and public bathrooms.
Since passage of the 1992 EPA, the voices in opposition to this policy have become loud and clear. I first became aware of the problems our national plumbing laws have created when I began to receive complaints from a variety of frustrated individuals. These discontented consumers, plumbers, remodelers, landlords, home builders, and others were upset their new, expensive toilets were repeatedly clogging and consistently required multiple flushes. Obviously, these new products were not saving water and therefore proved counterproductive to the original intent of the legislation.
To date, I have received thousands of calls, letters, and faxes from individuals all across the country, and the political spectrum, who support restoring common sense to our government and reducing the enormous burden placed on them by inefficient and needless government mandates. The message is clear, and often written on toilet paper:
``Get the government out my bathroom!''
While support for ending these mandates has steadily grown, the importance of this issue has grown even further, Currently, the Department of Energy is considering a ban on top-loading washing machines as well as certain types of water heaters, fluorescent lamps, central air conditioners, and other common products used by American every day. In addition to providing relief for those suffering under plumbing fixture laws, we must pass this bill to ensure the voice reason is heard before additional mandates are enacted.
The American marketplace works well, but only if consumers are allowed to buy the products they desire. If some consumers want tiny toilets or trickling showerheads, the economy will provide these products without the burden of federal decrees. In addition, if state and local governments wish to establish their own plumbing policies, they are free to do so. Unfortunately, our failed policy on plumbing fixtures has strangled the market, created innumerable headaches, and put us at risk of suffering under further one-size-fits-all mandates. Now is the time to heed the call of suffering Americans, pass the Plumbing Standards Improvement Act of 1999 and restore wisdom to our federal government.
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