WASHINGTON — The House recently passed HR 6, an energy bill that includes tax incentives, “an energy title” that includes repeal of the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA), and a provision to drill for oil in the Arctic, a provision which was voted down in the Senate.

An amendment was added by Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), which would maintain PUHCA, but support for the amendment fell mainly along party lines.

The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association (PHCC) voiced support for the amendment and anticipates Dingell’s amendment to be offered during the Senate’s consideration of an energy package.

While the House passed a measure that failed to include tax incentives for water submetering, the Senate’s package includes these incentives and others to support purchase of premium-efficiency central air conditioners and heat pumps.

Publication date: 04/21/2003