Reps. Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) reintroduced the bipartisan Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act, H.R. 2463, today to create jobs and promote energy efficiency.
The bipartisan legislation will create jobs for members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers and promote energy efficiency by reducing U.S. energy consumption by supporting proper mechanical insulation installation across the country.
When properly installed and maintained by trained professionals, mechanical insulation has been shown to drastically cut energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in all buildings. Unfortunately, it can be cost-prohibitive for some business owners. The bill provides a tax incentive for skilled-labor installation of Mechanical Insulation in buildings to make them more energy efficient.
“Mechanical insulation is one of the most overlooked yet effective solutions for improving energy efficiency, and it’s time we recognize its true potential,” said Sánchez. “Our bill will support investments in energy-efficient upgrades for buildings across our country – from schools to hospitals to manufacturing plants and office buildings – while also creating good-paying union jobs. By incentivizing the skilled-labor installation of mechanical insulation, we can lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable future.”
“The Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act is a commonsense policy solution to reducing energy waste, cutting emissions, lowering operating costs for businesses, and creating well-paying, skilled jobs across the country,” said Fitzpatrick. “At a time when strengthening American energy independence and dominance is more critical than ever, this bipartisan legislation quite simply encourages investments that will bring us closer to a more sustainable, energy-efficient future. I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Sánchez in advancing this pragmatic and business-friendly climate proposal.”
How does the Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act work?
The MIIIA will provide a tax credit for up to 10 percent of the labor costs incurred by a taxpayer paying to install Mechanical Insulation properly on pipes and equipment.
H.R. 2463 will save energy, lower energy costs and reduce energy consumption while supporting good-paying union jobs.
Where can Mechanical Insulation be used?
Mechanical Insulation encompasses all thermal, acoustical and personal safety requirements for mechanical piping and equipment, as well as heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) applications.
It is used across a wide platform of commercial and industrial buildings to decrease heating and cooling costs while increasing efficiency. It is also used in industrial and manufacturing processes for the same reason – to increase system efficiency and reduce energy costs.
MIIIA Endorsements
The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) endorse H.R 2463.
For Mechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini, the reintroduction of this bipartisan legislation is a major step toward energy efficiency and helping American companies become more competitive in the business environment.
“Today, the Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act was introduced in Congress,” he said. “This will offer a great opportunity for our contractors and our members to secure additional work. It is another example of how Mechanical Insulation is a serious energy efficiency commodity.