[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 49 (Thursday, April 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E542]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PLUMBING STANDARDS IMPROVEMENT ACT

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                          HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 4, 2001

  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Plumbing 
Standards Improvement Act of 2001. This bill would begin to restore 
common sense to our government by repealing the ridiculous 
Congressional mandates on toilet size and showerhead flow, 1.6 gallons 
per flush and 2.5 gallons per minute, respectively.
  With the help of the U.S. Department of Energy, environmental 
activist and plumbing manufacturers claimed it was essential to 
restrict water consumption in 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. As a result, 
this group was able to include an obscure rider at the eleventh hour to 
the Energy Policy Act (EPA), which Congress passed in 1992.
  Since passage of the 1992 EPA, the voices in opposition to this 
policy have become loud and clear. I have heard the cries from across 
the country and they want the federal government out of their 
bathrooms. While support for ending these mandates has steadily grown, 
the importance of this issue has grown even further. Last year the 
Department of Energy introduced new regulations on washing machines, 
air conditioners, and heating pumps. The federal government has become 
too intrusive; regulating people's private lives.
  The Plumbing Standards Improvement Act of 2001 does not implement any 
new restrictions or standards. It simply allows each individual 
consumer to make choices that best fits their needs. Washington has no 
business dictating to American consumers on the size of their toilet or 
the flow of their shower. One-size-fits-all mandates are unfair and a 
draconian measure to regulate resources. It assumes that every American 
faces the same situations in their daily lives.
  Our failed policy on plumbing fixtures has strangled the market, 
created innumerable headaches, and put us at risk of suffering further 
one-size-fits-all mandates. Now is the time to heed the call of 
suffering Americans, pass the Plumbing Standards Improvement Act of 
2001 and restore wisdom to our federal government.

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