Check out the latest legislative and regulatory news affecting your business (along with some just plain weird goings-on in Washington).

» What About Association Health Plans?
The simple answer to why there's no mention of AHPs in the current health care debate. (07/01/2009) Read it.

» EPA Throws Federal Preemption Out The Window
By granting a waiver to allow California to regulate car emissions more strictly, the Obama Administration shows the HVACR industry what to expect when it writes new rules for central air conditioners and heat pumps. (06/30/2009) Read it.

» Governor Sanford vs. the Rules
In vetoing a 2006 licensing bill for HVACR contractors, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford advocated the use of unlicensed contractors, which would have been against the law. (06/25/2009) Read it.

» With Health Care Reform, Be Careful What You Wish For...
The rising costs of health care mean reform is necessary but the details of the plans and the costs may make you wish for the "good old days." (06/22/2009) Read it.

» Call Guiness, Congress has one for the record books!
The House spent a whirlwind day spinning it's wheels on vote after vote after vote. In the end House Republicans succeeded in reminding Democrats that they are part of the process too. (06/19/2009) Read it.

» IRS Proposes Changes to Employer-Provided Cell Phone Rules
An IRS proposal to "simplify" the tax rules for employer-provided cell phones ignores the what everyone already knows - the simplest solution is not to tax this fringe benefit at all. (06/16/2009) Read it.

» IRS Commissioner Asks Congress for Help
The IRS Commissioner took the extraordinary step of releasing a statement saying that there will be no tax consequences for employer or employees for personal use of employer-provided cell phones. (06/16/2009) Read it.

» The Domino Effect
The latest appointee in the Obama Administration has set off a scramble to lead the Republicans on two key House committees. (06/10/2009) Read it.

» IRS Answers Tax Credit Questions
The IRS has finally answered the question of how much a taxpayer can claim for a non qualifying furnace (less than 95% AFUE) with a qualifying advanced main air circulating (ECM) fan. (06/02/2009) Read it.

» Small Business Tax Incentives Available for 2009
Don't forget to take advantage of these small business friendly provisions before they expire. (06/01/2009) Read it.

» House Panel Begins Work on Climate Change Bill
Section 214 would reward contractors for successfully marketing the highest efficiency HVACR equipment with bonus payments. (05/18/2009) Read it.

» House Panel Releases Global Warming & Climate Change Bill
It's just a bill, yes, it's only a bill and it's sitting here on Capitol Hill... (05/15/2009) Read it.

» Victory: Same-as-Cash Can Continue
ACCA and other business groups have succeeded in overturning a proposed ban on same-as-cash financing promotions. (05/14/2009) Read it.

» Legislation Introduced to Shorten Depreciation Schedule for Commercial HVACR Equipment
ACCA members can use Grassroots Action Center to request their lawmakers to cosponsor HR 2198, a bill that would shorten the depreciation schedule for commercial HVACR equipment. (05/13/2009) Read it.

» The Singing Congressman
An ACCA contractor finds out that his advertising dollars are well spent -- when he hears his Congressman sing his jingle! (05/04/2009) Read it.

» Senator Arlen Specter Switches Parties
What does this mean for Card Check? (04/28/2009) Read it.

» There's Still Time to Sign Up for the ACCA Washington Fly In
On April 29-30 ACCA members will storm Capitol Hill with our partners at HARDI, PHCC, and ASA. Join your colleagues and stand up for your industry. (04/21/2009) Read it.

» Energy Policy, Global Warming, Climate Change Oh My!
Everyone in Washington is talking about global warming and climate change regulations on the Hill and at the EPA. This is a battle that will rage throughout the summer. (04/21/2009) Read it.

» Congress Takes Another Shot At Energy
The nation's energy policy is up for review once again, but this time global warming is part of the equation. (04/06/2009) Read it.

» Special Tax Break Available for New Car Purchases This Year
A little noticed provision in the stimulus bill could help you get some money back next year for a car you buy this year. And it doesn't have to be a hybrid or flex fuel vehicle. (04/03/2009) Read it.

» Card Check Legislation and ACCA's 2009 Washington Action Days
Card Check will be on the agenda when ACCA members hit Capitol Hill for the Washington Action Days on April 29-30. Join your industry colleagues for this critically important Lobby Day for the HVACR industry. (03/24/2009) Read it.

» Tracking the Stimulus Money
Watching your tax dollars at "work." (03/18/2009) Read it.

» ACCA Tells EPA: We Need a Smooth Refrigerant Transition
EPA's proposed rulemaking on the phase down of the production and consumption allocations for HCFCs as part of the Montreal Protocol includes an unorthodox interpretation of when a central air conditioner or refrigeration system is "manufactured." (03/17/2009) Read it.

» Advanced Main Circulating Fans Questions Abound
Here's a little information on how homeowners can claim tax credits on furnaces with ECMs. (03/11/2009) Read it.

» “Card Check” Bill Introduced Today in House and Senate
The Employee Free Choice Act, also known as the "card check" bill, would radically change the process for workers to organize. (03/10/2009) Read it.

» What Obama Wants
President Obama submitted his Fiscal Year 2010 Budget to Congress last week. This budget will have a significant impact on the HVACR industry. (03/02/2009) Read it.

» Increased Credits -- And Increased Standards
The HVACR tax credits in the stimulus bill are a positive development. But the changes to the criteria for them are not. (02/20/2009) Read it.

» Geothermal Is Different
The tax code treats geothermal systems differently than traditional HVAC. (02/16/2009) Read it.

» Bill Includes Expanded Tax Credits for HVAC
Tax Credits One Step Away From Being Law (02/15/2009) Read it.

» $1500 HVAC Tax Credits One Step Closer to Law
The House approved the stimulus conference bill. The Senate is next. Likely signed into law on Monday. (02/13/2009) Read it.

» Negotiations on Stimulus Bill Continue
Despite what's been reported on the news, final details on the stimulus bill are still being worked out. (02/12/2009) Read it.

» Senate Proposes Changes to the Tax Credit Program
The criteria for equipment to qualify for the proposed $1500 tax credits may change due to a late amendment to the Senate version of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. (02/11/2009) Read it.

» Don't Dig Yourself a Hole
The IRS comes down hard on companies that miss payroll taxes. Skipping payments can land you in a heap of trouble. (02/10/2009) Read it.

» Wins for Big Labor
In some of his first official duties as President, Obama issues several Executive Orders detailing federal contracts, including one dealing with Project Labor Agreements. (02/10/2009) Read it.

» US House Passes Stimulus Bill With HVACR Tax Credits 244-188
Senate vote scheduled for next week. (01/30/2009) Read it.

» Keeping the Pressure on Congress
Lobbying Congress takes many forms. ACCA and some of its construction industry association partners ran an ad this week in a Capitol Hill newspaper urging Congress to appove a stimulus bill. (01/26/2009) Read it.

» Priorities of the New Obama Administration
Federal incentives for energy efficiency and the HVACR industry go hand in hand. (01/21/2009) Read it.

» Residential HVAC Tax Credit Gets A Huge Boost
One small provision in the economic stimulus bill could have a huge impact on the HVACR industry. (01/16/2009) Read it.

» Economic Stimulus Package Released
Energy efficiency and "shovel ready construction" are the new buzzwords in DC. What do they mean for the HVACR industry? (01/15/2009) Read it.

» Where's Card Check?
House Democrats were expected to bring the Employee Free Choice Act to the floor as the first bill of the 111th Congress. What happened? (01/09/2009) Read it.

» ACCA Testifies at Hearing on Controversial EPA Proposed Rules
ACCA presented testimony at a hearing on EPA's proposed rules dealing the with mandated phase-out of HCFCs. (01/07/2009) Read it.

» Tax Incentives Available in 2009
The changeover to 2009 means that the return of the $500 tax credit for homeowners who purchase qualified energy saving HVAC and hot water equipment. But Congress approved other tax incentives last year that benefit the industry. (01/06/2009) Read it.

» Obama to Announce Key Department Heads
Who are the most important members of the Obama Cabinet for HVACR contractors? We are about to find out... (12/09/2008) Read it.

» Proposed OSHA Rule on Cranes and Derricks Will Impact HVACR Contractors
Should OSHA treats delivery truck cranes the same as tower cranes used to build skyscrapers? (12/02/2008) Read it.

» Democrat vs. Democrat
What's going on behind the scenes as a California liberal is challenging a Michigan moderate for the gavel of a powerful Congressional committee with jurisdiction over 40% of bills in the House. (11/19/2008) Read it.

» The new 111th Congress
The roster for the new 111th Congress is almost complete. So what will they do first? (11/18/2008) Read it.

» Every Vote Counts
The Democrats are nearer to their goal of getting 60 votes in the Senate. Find out why that's so important. (11/14/2008) Read it.

» Election Results in the US House
Democrats pick up at least 21 more seats in the US House, and that number could go higher. (11/06/2008) Read it.

» Can Democrats Get to 60 in the Senate?
Four races have yet to be decided. Which way will they go? (11/05/2008) Read it.

» Get Out and Vote!
No excuses for long lines and weather. Too much is on the line. (11/04/2008) Read it.

» The US Election and the Global Economy
Europe is watching this election more closely than I thought. (10/31/2008) Read it.

» Do Residential HVAC Tax Credits Work?
Here's some real data on how many households claimed the residential energy tax credit in 2006. Oh, and it shows that four times as many took advantage of the tax credit than the government expected. (10/21/2008) Read it.

» Victory in Albuquerque
The HVAC industry prevails in a lawsuit that could have overturned decaces of federal appliance energy efficiency standards. (10/14/2008) Read it.

» Tax Credits Extended or Reinstated?
The truth about the $500 residential energy tax credits. (10/13/2008) Read it.

» In Case You Missed It
The media finally figures out the credit crunch is real reports on how it's hitting small business on Main Steet. (10/01/2008) Read it.

» Why the Economic Recovery Plan Matters to Contractors
The myths and the facts surrounding the Economic Recovery Stabilization Act -- why it matters to contractors -- and why it is NOT a bailout. (09/30/2008) Read it.

» The Aftermath of Monday
Monday's vote on the Economic Rescue plan was far from normal. Here's what seems to have gone wrong. (09/30/2008) Read it.

» Bailout Failure
The House failed to pass a federal bailout plan of the financial markets that Congress and the White House spent the last 10 days cobbling together. The vote tally was 206-228, with 94 Democrats and 133 Republicans voting No. (09/29/2008) Read it.

» Senate Moves One Step Closer to Passing Tax Credits
This is sounding like a broken record, but it looks like the high efficiency HVACR tax incentives may finally happen. (09/24/2008) Read it.

» How Air Conditioning Changed the World
Cooler? Cooler? (09/12/2008) Read it.

» Three Year Extension of Tax Credit Proposed
Passage would be a huge victory for homeowners and HVACR contractors. (09/11/2008) Read it.

» Welcome Back, Congress
Don't let the door hit you on the way out. (09/09/2008) Read it.

» Are you ready for some...
The preseason is over. Time to mix sports and politics. (09/03/2008) Read it.

» Read the Fine Print
The housing bill includes an informational reporting requirement that’s going to cause a lot of headaches for any business that accepts credit cards for payments. (08/22/2008) Read it.

» Get Answers to Your Tax Question
A helpful IRS website helps you navigate the tricky tax code. (08/22/2008) Read it.

» Tax Extenders Update
Congress left town without passing an important energy tax bill with HVAC tax incentives. (08/12/2008) Read it.

» A Well Deserved Vacation?
Congress adjourns until after Labor Day with the lowest approval rating in history and little to show for the year. (08/04/2008) Read it.

» Housing Bill Set to Pass Into Law
ACCA and other organizations pushed Congress to complete work on a bill to settle the shaky housing market. (07/24/2008) Read it.

» The Latest from Albuquerque
For the second time in three months, the city of Albuquerque changes it's mind at the last minute on enforcing a new energy code. (07/01/2008) Read it.

» DOE Opens the Door to More Regulations
Only a SEER knows what will happen as DOE looks to increase appliance efficiency (06/17/2008) Read it.

» Don't Get Used to 13 SEER
The Department of Energy commences a rulemaking process tomorrow that may raise the minimum SEER. (06/12/2008) Read it.

» Senate Vote Delays Progress on Tax Extender Bill
An important tax extender bill with popular support is hung up once again on a procedural motion. (06/11/2008) Read it.

» House Passes HVACR Tax Incentives (Again)
The House has again passed a bill extending tax incentives for residential and commercial HVACR equipment. But is it too late? (05/30/2008) Read it.

» Take Advantage of the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008
There's still time to invest in your business and benefit from special tax breaks that expire at the end of this year. (05/28/2008) Read it.

» Gas Tax Holiday
Would a gas tax holiday help the economy in the short term or hurt our transportation system in the long run? (05/16/2008) Read it.

» House Panel Passes Extension of residential HVACR Tax Credits
A tax credit extension starts to move through Congress but its small window of opportunity may close before anyone has a chance to use it. (05/15/2008) Read it.

» The Growing Problem of Copper Theft
ACCA is working on a federal response to the nationwide crime wave. (04/30/2008) Read it.

» HVACR to the Rescue
A shorter depreciation schedule for commercial HVACR equipment is identified in a Congressional report as one way to stimulate the economy. (04/23/2008) Read it.

» Kevorkian For Kongress?
A third party candidate in Michigan that has almost no chance of winning has lots of people talking. (04/21/2008) Read it.

» Capital in the Capitol
Venture capitalists are pushing energy efficiency tax credits on Capitol Hill. (04/16/2008) Read it.

» House Panel Passes Taxpayer Relief Bill
Just in time for the April 15th tax day news cycle, the Ways and Means Committee teed up a bill that is more than just a publicity stunt. (04/11/2008) Read it.

» Tax Credit Extenders Pass the Senate
The Senate passed legislation today extending the popular tax credits for homeowners who install high effiicency equipment. (04/10/2008) Read it.

» HVAC Tax Credit Extenders Reintroduced (Again)
A Senate bill to extend the $500 tax credits for homeowners who install high efficiency HVAC products is introduced. (04/09/2008) Read it.

» Whose Economy Are We Stimulating?
Electronics manufacturers are already going after tax rebate checks and they don't start arriving until next month. (04/01/2008) Read it.

» Albu-quirky, Part 2: Swamp Coolers
Old technology may not work anymore in the 21st Century (03/31/2008) Read it.

» Sign Up Today for ACCA's Washington Fly-In!
Raise your voice, and raise the possibility that we can get GOOD legislation passed in Congress. Attend ACCA's Congressional Fly-In on April 30 and May 1! (03/28/2008) Read it.

» Albu-quirky, Part 1
The city that wants to buck federal law on HVAC efficiency may be seeing the error of its ways. (03/27/2008) Read it.

» Death & Taxes
There's a renewed interest in Congress to fix the estate tax mess. (03/19/2008) Read it.

» Don't Try This At Home
Congress will try to make a budget for next year and beyond (03/11/2008) Read it.

» Spring Forward Two Steps Back
A government policy that does the opposite of what was intended? Okay, so that's not that surprising. (03/07/2008) Read it.

» RIF stands for ...
Reading is Fundamental or Reduction in Funding? (03/04/2008) Read it.

» The 2007 Economic Census
It's not too late to be counted. (02/21/2008) Read it.

» Bigger or Smaller
The Department of a Labor wants to tighten the Family and Medical Leave Act while some in Congress want to expand it. (02/20/2008) Read it.

» A Perfect Storm (In A Good Way)
What's it called when several different tax bills that benefit you fall into place? (02/19/2008) Read it.

» The State of the Union
So what did the President's last major speech mean for HVACR? (01/29/2008) Read it.

» Economic Stimulus 2008
The sub-prime mortgage crisis, roller coaster global stock markets, and a lack of consumer confidence has Congress playing nice and working overtime. (01/24/2008) Read it.

» Shouldn't have taken that left turn...
Albuquerque wants higher standards than federal law allows. Right now it's uncertain if they will petition for a waiver, or try to enforce an illegal law. (01/22/2008) Read it.

» Reading Between the Lines
What's not in the energy bill that was signed into law today (12/19/2007) Read it.

» Energy Bill One Step Closer to Law
Following in the footsteps of the Senate, the House passed the energy bill today. (12/18/2007) Read it.

» Furnaces & Boilers
DOE released its final rule on furnace and boiler standards. (11/20/2007) Read it.

» Get Focused
It can be expensive to get someone's attention in Washington. (11/05/2007) Read it.

» A Penny Saved Is ... Something
There's gold in copper! Or something like that. (10/25/2007) Read it.

» Support Your Local Champions
ACCA member testifies before a committee chaired by a champion of our issues. (10/17/2007) Read it.

» A Congressman Who "Gets It"
A breakfast conversation. (09/25/2007) Read it.

» Better Roads, Less Traffic = Good for Contractors
Better roads would have a good impact on HVACR contractors. (09/17/2007) Read it.

» Contractor Runs for Congress
A contractor throws his hat in the ring. (09/15/2007) Read it.

» Where's the Beefsteak?
You can have one thing, but not the other. (09/12/2007) Read it.

» Whither Refrigerant?
The next big issue for our industry. (09/07/2007) Read it.

» Always Proofread Your Work
Arkansas may have to call a special legislative session - to fix a typo. (08/30/2007) Read it.

» Grandstanding
What happens when legislators would rather make a point than a sensible law. (08/23/2007) Read it.

» Desert Island
It's 100 degrees and I'm lovin' it. (08/13/2007) Read it.

» Waving at the Camera
What happens when a Congressman thinks no one is watching CSPAN. (08/06/2007) Read it.

» Regional HVAC Standards
Regional HVAC standards are still on the table and likely to pass. (07/18/2007) Read it.

» Slumber Party Massacre
Will there be a pillowfight on the Senate floor? (07/17/2007) Read it.

» Gellin' Like a Felon
Walking the halls of Congress can take its toll on your sole. (07/16/2007) Read it.