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A long and winding road to ethanol reform

Last month, I had the opportunity to offer testimony in support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to modestly scale back the amount of ethanol required to be produced under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). 




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Federal updates from ABA: Nutritional labeling and labor policy issues

All federal food policy is based on the recommendations stemming from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The American Bakers Association (ABA) leads the Grain Chain, an organization of 10 groups from grain growers and millers, as well as bakers and others who have an interest in growing grain consumption.




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Industry engagement crucial in post-election landscape

The 2020 election is over, but efforts to understand the impacts are just beginning.




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Pandemic bakery perspectives

In the ongoing grip of the COVID-19 pandemic as we enter a new year, and a new administration in Washington, we reached out for an update from Robb MacKie, President and CEO, American Bakers Association (ABA), Washington, D.C.




and

Atlantic Hurricane CENTER MIAMI FL AL182024 348 AM EST THU NOV 7 2024 .HURRICANE RAFAEL CAUTION...THIS PRODUCT ONLY APPROXIMATELY CONVEYS THE EXTENT OF Tropical Cyclone WIND AND SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS. PLEASE SEE THE LATEST PUBLIC Advisory FROM THE NA

 
 000
 WTNT83 KNHC 070848
 TCVAT3
 
 RAFAEL WATCH/WARNING ADVISORY NUMBER 15
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL     AL182024
 348 AM EST THU NOV 7 2024
 
 .HURRICANE RAFAEL
 
 CAUTION...THIS PRODUCT ONLY APPROXIMATELY CONVEYS THE EXTENT OF
 TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND AND SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS. PLEASE SEE
 THE LATEST PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FOR
 THE PRECISE LATERAL EXTENT OF WIND WATCHES AND WARNINGS ALONG THE
 COAST...AS WELL AS THE APPROXIMATE LATERAL EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES
 AND WARNINGS. THE PRECISE EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS
 CAN BE FOUND IN THE NWS NATIONAL DIGITAL FORECAST DATABASE HAZARD
 GRIDS.
 
 FLZ077-078-071000-
 /O.CAN.KNHC.TR.W.1018.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
 348 AM EST THU NOV 7 2024
 
 $$
 
 ATTN...WFO...KEY...
 




and

Eastern Pacific Hurricane CENTER MIAMI FL EP092023 207 AM PDT MON AUG 21 2023 .Post-Tropical Cyclone HILARY CAUTION...THIS PRODUCT ONLY APPROXIMATELY CONVEYS THE EXTENT OF TROPICAL Cyclone WIND AND SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS. PLEASE SEE THE LATEST PUBLIC

 
 000
 WTPZ84 KNHC 210907
 TCVEP4
 
 HILARY WATCH/WARNING ADVISORY NUMBER 20
 NWS NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL     EP092023
 207 AM PDT MON AUG 21 2023
 
 .POST-TROPICAL CYCLONE HILARY
 
 CAUTION...THIS PRODUCT ONLY APPROXIMATELY CONVEYS THE EXTENT OF
 TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND AND SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS. PLEASE SEE
 THE LATEST PUBLIC ADVISORY FROM THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER FOR
 THE PRECISE LATERAL EXTENT OF WIND WATCHES AND WARNINGS ALONG THE
 COAST...AS WELL AS THE APPROXIMATE LATERAL EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES
 AND WARNINGS. THE PRECISE EXTENT OF SURGE WATCHES AND WARNINGS
 CAN BE FOUND IN THE NWS NATIONAL DIGITAL FORECAST DATABASE HAZARD
 GRIDS.
 
 CAZ043-048-050-055>058-060>062-065-087-088-358-362-366>383-548-552-
 554-211015-
 /O.CAN.KNHC.TR.W.2009.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
 207 AM PDT MON AUG 21 2023
 
 $$
 
 ATTN...WFO...LOX...SGX...
 




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Thomas Crapper: Myth and Reality

The debate over who Thomas Crapper was - or even if there was a Thomas Crapper at all - continues.




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Tool Tips: Organization and cleanliness

On our trucks, we keep all our soldering material, such as solder, paste, pipe cutters, emery cloth, inspection mirror and other miscellaneous items, in small tackle boxes.




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Tool Tips: Good ears and a good flashlight

Leaking fixtures can waste a lot of water and money. 




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Tool Tips: Clean and tidy caulk

When installing a toilet, the final touch is caulking around the base which can sometimes be a mess. 




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Tool Tips: Toilet and sink water removal

The customer says there is water at the base of the toilet after flushing, which means you get to replace the wax seal. 




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Tool Tips: Refrigeration Gauge Protection and Connection Stress

Every time I installed an ice maker supply line, I was always concerned that it may leak — pushing and pulling on the fridge. 




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The requirements and challenges of residential fire sprinkler systems and water meters

Now that many jurisdictions across the country are mandating fire sprinkler systems in new-home construction, de-signers need to be aware of the requirements and challenges these systems can face in relation to water meters.




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New trends in corrosion and freeze protection for resilient fire sprinkler systems

How can engineers and contractors design wet fire sprinkler systems equipped to prevent corrosion and dry systems equipped to prevent freezing? That has long been a question central to code requirements and new product development.




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4 reasons to hire apprentices and grow them into plumbers

Should you hire apprentices instead of journeymen and master plumbers? Some contractors are finding more long-term success by building their team from the ground up.




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Gen Z wants technology, and skilled trades are rising to the challenge

The current U.S. workforce is comprised of four generations: Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. But there’s one generation in particular that the skilled trades have their eyes on right now: Gen Z.




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An aging population represents opportunities for plumbing and HVACR contractors

As the population grows older, there is a heightened need for affordable plumbing and HVACR systems that offer safety and accessibility.




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Global and U.S. economic 2024 predictions

As 2023 comes to a close it is now time to review my predictions from last year as well as predict ten more trends I see as we enter 2024.




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Building safety 101: understanding the basics for a safer tomorrow

Every year during May, the International Code Council holds its Building Safety Month campaign to help raise awareness about the importance of building safety and educate the public on how to ensure their communities are resilient and sustainable.




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Enhancing employee, professional and organizational growth through skilled trade certifications

The skilled trades industry is evolving as more Gen Z workers choose trades over college. Efforts to obtain certifications through learning modules and hands-on training are becoming integrated into daily work routines, helping tradespeople build long-lasting careers and enabling businesses to succeed.





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Deepfakes are here: Here’s how plumbing and HVACR companies can prepare

Did you know that it only takes 30 seconds to create a deepfake? Deepfakes are AI-generated media that can be made using any device. They can be used to spread misinformation and harm a plumbing and mechanical company's reputation.




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Technology and talent lead the PHVAC industry into the future

“I don’t think people care that I’m young, or female. They care about what I know.”
Those words, spoken by Baylie Frost, a virtual design and construction (VDC) lead at Harvey’s Plumbing & Heating in Bozeman, Montana, must be music to the ears of an industry that is seeking to attract more talented young people to its ranks.




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Rob Webster: Convenience and efficiency drive top plumbing technology trends

The ongoing transformation of the plumbing industry has been driven in part by the evolving expectations and priorities of homeowners and consumers. The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced existing concerns about hygiene and public health, pushing the demand for hands-free technology and automated features that reduce contact with germs and bacteria. 




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Climate change, water scarcity concerns increase demand for leak detection and prevention products

There’s nothing worse than coming home to find a burst pipe or malfunctioning water heater has flooded your basement. It’s perhaps why leak detection and prevention products continue to become more popular each year.




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The AI and fintech lessons I learned while acquiring 14 PHVAC companies

As controller, my job essentially boils down to two things: support our branches and ensure that Leap Partners has the cash flow to fund further acquisitions.  I want to share with you the three fundamental lessons I’ve learned to achieve these goals.




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Peterman Brothers partners with Interplay Learning to standardize and scale technical training across service branches

The partnership between Interplay and Peterman comes at a pivotal time as Peterman continues to expand its operations and scale its technical training efforts.




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CallRail and ServiceTitan join forces to help contractors drive high-quality lead conversions

The integration will allow mutual customers to access valuable information about their prospects and customers. The integration will ensure that the complete customer journey, from lead to job, is all captured within the ServiceTitan dashboard.




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Trimble ranks #3 on Fast Company’s Annual List of Best Workplaces for Innovators, wins Science and Technology category

Trimble recognized for commitment to innovation across projects, processes and company culture.




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ServiceTitan announces partnership With Authority Brands

The new integration will empower franchise owners to maximize business performance, grow profitably, and deliver a superior customer experience.




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Delta Commercial expands Architectural Design Series with new faucet and soap dispenser combos and concealed flush valves

 Like the rest of the series, the new products are constructed with high-quality materials and designed for easy installation and maintenance, making them an ideal choice for busy commercial settings.




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Carrier building automation system valves and actuators

Carrier’s lineup of communicating peripherals for the i-Vu building automation system has been expanded to include smart valves with Characterized Control Valve (CCVT) technology and smart damper actuators. 




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Dandelion Energy introduces geothermal heat pump

The product qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit as well as stackable state and local rebates.




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LG Electronics USA expands ENERGY STAR-certified line of Inverter Heat Pump Water Heaters

LG Electronics USA expanded its line of ENERGY STAR-certified Inverter Heat Pump Water Heaters with two new models featuring demand response and a water leakage detection sensor, ensuring a comprehensive domestic water heating solution for residential applications.




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YORK computer room air handlers

Featuring a vertical downflow and draw-through layout, the YORK MCV CRAH is engineered to deliver reliable cooling in above-floor or under-floor data center applications. 




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Tips for installing and servicing CPVC pipes

When installed properly and protected from incompatible chemicals, CPVC can deliver years of reliable service in even the most aggressive water conditions. Get tips on installing and servicing CPVC pipes.




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First net zero energy education and research facility in Victoria

The training facility, designed for the plumbing industry, will generate all energy required to support the operation of the building on site through the incorporation of several renewable energy technologies.




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IAPMO publishes Installation Standard for Residential Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems

The 2021 USHGC is scheduled to be published in early 2021.




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Propane and solar energy: How using both can improve sustainability and comfort

Hybrid systems that run on propane and solar can be tailored to a project’s unique needs, providing lower first costs and reduced ongoing energy costs and emissions.




and

Ross Goldstein: Creating cooling and dehumidification using solar thermal or waste heat

There are multiple ways to dehumidify a space — mechanical, reheat and desiccant to name a few. The biggest issue has been that conventional air conditioning units are only 10% effective at removing humidity. Until now, standard de-humidification systems were expensive to purchase and install.




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DOE invests $6M in geothermal heating and cooling technologies at federal facilities

New technical assistance capacity will help the federal government lead by example in demonstrating benefits and potential of decarbonizing buildings with geothermal energy.




and

Jay Egg and Kristy Egg: What the IRA provides for geothermal technologies

In 2009 under President Barack Obama, the economic stimulus package of 2009 was signed into law. Egg Geo was a regional engineering and contracting company in the southeastern United States with robust business in our central Florida offices.




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IRA reduces cost barriers for geothermal heating and cooling

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has delivered good news in the form of federal income tax credits and accelerated depreciation deductions that help make geothermal a more attractive option.





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Greenwashing and geothermal HVAC technologies

Greenwashing is deceptive advertising that uses green PR to make products seem eco-friendly and desensitizes consumers to environmental claims. TerraChoice describes "seven sins of greenwashing" to help consumers spot misleading environmental claims.




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IAPMO, Pace to publish UMC Chapter 17 as standalone document for Geothermal Energy Systems and Ambient Temperature Loops (ATL)

The document addresses the need for enforceable safety provisions for geothermal district ambient temperature loop systems.




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Dave Yates named to IAPMO Hydronics Standards Committee

Yates will serve in the general interest category for a term of two years.




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Codes Corner: COVID-19 measures; IAPMO codes and standards

Since 1926, IAPMO has protected the public’s health and safety through its codes and standards activities. 




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New criteria in drinking water standard tightens lead leaching allowance for plumbing products

Joint committee governing NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 lowers maximum allowable limits of leached lead from plumbing endpoint devices.




and

The changing landscape of fire protection

The world is changing quickly, and transformative technologies are introducing new requirements for safety. 




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Codes Corner: The benefits of the UPC and Installation Standards

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) has a long history of providing useful information that is not offered by other model codes. 




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Innovative plumbing code technologies are critical to creating sustainable and resilient buildings

To aid plumbers and tradespersons in staying competitive in the marketplace, innovative technologies and materials must be a priority when crafting and revising provisions within model codes and standards in order to enhance efficiency, positively impact affordability and provide ease of service for those implementing it.