Washington, D.C. — President Obama late on Tuesday signed into law the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010, legislation created with the support of and input from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). This bipartisan legislation will promote best practices, including water efficiency, in all federal buildings.
This legislation requires U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to categorize core competencies that federal personnel must maintain in all federal buildings. The legislation also directs GSA to work with professional societies, industry associations and apprenticeship training providers to ensure the federal government’s personnel meet the required competencies. While this legislation provides some leeway for GSA to identify core competencies, the bill does mandate six areas that GSA must include as core competencies; maintenance, energy management, sustainability, water efficiency, safety (including electrical safety) and building performance measures.
IAPMO played an integral role in the inclusion of water efficiency as a core competency during the original bill’s crafting in the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Russ Carnahan, D-Mo., and Congresswoman Judy Biggert, R-Ill. Senators Tom Carper, D-Del., and Susan Collins, R-Maine, introduced identical legislation in the U.S. Senate, as well.
“We fully support this new law and stand ready to assist GSA in establishing these core competencies,” said IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney. “Due to IAPMO’s expertise in this field, we appreciate the work of Rep. Carnahan, Rep Biggert, Sen. Carper and Sen. Collins, and support their effort in making water efficiency a core competency and priority for the federal government. I am thrilled that this legislation has now become law.
“As GSA is the single largest building owner and operator in the United States, IAPMO is excited to work with the federal government to ensure water efficiency truly becomes a core competency.”
Founded in 1926, IAPMO remains the preeminent code development association for plumbing, mechanical and solar codes. With membership of approximately 3,300 professionals, IAPMO remains the only trade association whose codes are developed employing an open consensus process fully accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Last modified: December 15, 2010