[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 22 (Monday, February 8, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E156-E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               PLUMBING STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999

                                 ______
                                 

                          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

[[Page E157]]

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.

                          ____________________