NEHPBA Government Affairs

Policy Statement on Net Zero: “HPBA (NEHPBA) believes that it is critical to lower carbon emissions based on solid science and technology. Requiring communities to be all-electric does not achieve the intended reduction due to inefficiencies with generation, distribution, and lack of storage. A balanced energy portfolio including natural gas, propane, solid fuel, electricity, and existing and emerging renewable technologies is the most effective way to lower carbon emissions for our planet.”

What We Do

The NEHPBA Government Affairs Committee works to serve its members by advocating for the hearth industry’s interests in all levels of government and protecting the industry from restrictive public policy, regulation & legislation. The greatest challenge to our industry is government regulations that impact our livelihood. Knowledge is the key to protecting our businesses. The fireplace industry faces more government regulation than any other building material industry segment because we impact both the environment and energy - two of the most hotly debated areas of national concern. Regulation is formed at the national level; but it is almost always implemented at the local level. NEHPBA’s main focus is Government Affairs. We are your watch dog at the grassroots level, here to serve as a resource and advocate for your business. We should all understand the issues affecting our industry! Want to find out what’s happening in your state? Click here.

NEHPBA GA Team in D.C., 2025

You can get involved:

• As a Representative – join our Government Affairs Committee! Host a legislative site visit at your business! Join us at the State Houses during lobby days!
• As a Speaker – Help us educate building officials to understand how to inspect hearth appliances and the importance of correct installation. NEHPBA’s “Speaker’s Bureau” has our members instruct CEUs courses for AHJs on “Inspecting Hearth Appliances.”
• As an Analyst/Helper – You may be part of your builders’ association, you work with builders, keep us updated on what you hear! Help us interpret the challenges of new building codes, help us position testimony to explain building challenges in layman’s terms, AND, most importantly always respond to Calls-to-Action that appear in your inbox!

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Testimonials from members:

Keep up the great work! You and the Board deserve kudos for supporting the industry. I enjoy reading about all the efforts from NEHPBA which has always been near and dear to my heart(H)!! Thanks to all for the efforts! – Kirk M.

Thank you for all your efforts and staying the course!! YOU are amazing and we are so lucky to have you not only advocating for us but for never letting up or giving up. You help us as dealers & manufacturers, but you also help the people who need our products. Basic needs aren't being met, people are cold in their homes and have horrific electric bills.…Thanks for keeping our association strong! Your efforts are very much appreciated. I know it's not easy. – Patricia, Vineyard Hearth Patio & Spa

Awesome NEHPBA Rocks!!!! – Joel Etter, HHT

Great win!!! Andrew Vogul, RMI

Hats off the NEHPBA and the board for getting to this point! So impressive! – Aaron Wyatt

Great job Karen & Board!!! – Brian Leamy, BAC

This is wonderful news! Let’s keep the pressure on and get this thing overturned all together! - Rhiannon Sisson, Sisson's Chain Saws & Stoves

Awesome!! – Bret Watson, Jotul

The objectives of the NEHPBA banner being Advocacy, Education and Networking has been bourn out by the successful challenge to the State of New York’s All Electric Building Code. The successful  challenge  brought against the powerful State of New York is no small feat. Congratulations Karen and to the NEHPBA board that you represent. - Bob Feen, Feens Country Living