[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 2, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S501-S502]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 3198. Mr. BROWN (for himself and Mr. Kirk) submitted an amendment 
intended to be proposed to amendment SA 2953 proposed by Ms. Murkowski 
to the bill S. 2012, to provide for the modernization of the energy 
policy of the United States, and for other purposes; which was ordered 
to lie on the table; as follows:

       At the end of subtitle A of title I, add the following:

     SEC. 10__. INCREASING WATER EFFICIENCY IN FEDERAL BUILDINGS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) ANSI-accredited plumbing code.--The term ``ANSI-
     accredited plumbing code'' means a construction code for a 
     plumbing system of a building that meets applicable codes 
     established by the American National Standards Institute.
       (2) ANSI-audited designator.--The term ``ANSI-audited 
     designator'' means an accredited developer that is recognized 
     by the American National Standards Institute.
       (3) Green plumbers usa training program.--The term ``Green 
     Plumbers USA training program'' means the training and 
     certification program teaching sustainability and water-
     savings practices that is established by the Green Plumbers 
     organization.
       (4) Helmets to hardhats program.--The term ``Helmets to 
     Hardhats program'' means

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     the national, nonprofit program that connects National Guard, 
     Reserve, retired, and transitioning active-duty military 
     service members with skilled training and quality career 
     opportunities in the construction industry.
       (5) Plumbing efficiency research coalition.--The term 
     ``Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition'' means the industry 
     coalition comprised of plumbing manufacturers, code 
     developers, plumbing engineers, and water efficiency experts 
     established to advance plumbing research initiatives that 
     support the development of water efficiency and sustainable 
     plumbing products, systems, and practices.
       (b) Water Efficiency Standards.--The Secretary shall work 
     with ANSI-audited designators to promote the implementation 
     and use in the construction of Federal building of plumbing 
     products, systems, and practices that meet standards and 
     codes that achieve the highest level of water efficiency and 
     conservation practicable consistent with construction budgets 
     and the goals of Executive Order 13514 (42 U.S.C. 4321 note; 
     relating to Federal leadership in environmental, energy, and 
     economic performance), including--
       (1) the most recent version of the ANSI-accredited plumbing 
     code; and
       (2) if no ANSI-accredited plumbing code exists, alternative 
     plumbing standards and codes established by the Secretary.
       (c) Training Programs.--The Secretary shall work with 
     nationally recognized plumbing training programs that meet 
     applicable plumbing licensing requirements to provide 
     competency training for individuals who install and repair 
     plumbing systems in Federal and other buildings, including--
       (1) the Helmets to Hardhats training program; and
       (2) the Green Plumbers USA training program.
       (d) Water Efficiency Research.--The Secretary shall promote 
     plumbing research that increases water efficiency and 
     conservation in plumbing products, systems, and practices 
     used in Federal and other buildings and reduces the 
     unintended consequences of reduced flows in the building 
     drains and water supply systems of the United States, which 
     may include working with the Andrew W. Breidenbach 
     Environmental Research Center and the Plumbing Efficiency 
     Research Coalition--
       (1) to provide and exchange experts to conduct water 
     efficiency and conservation plumbing-related studies;
       (2) to assist in creating public awareness of reports of 
     the Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition; and
       (3) to provide financial assistance if applicable and 
     available.
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