The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association (PHCC) and the American Supply Association (ASA) hosted their 2026 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. this May. The event was the largest since the pandemic, with 166 industry delegates participating over two days. Participants met with lawmakers to advocate for policies supporting skilled trades, workforce development, and energy choice.
Advocacy with a unified voice
PHCC-NA President Jason Pritchard and ASA President Kip Miller opened the conference with a joint message. They described the gathering as an important opportunity to strengthen the industry’s legislative influence. “Our government affairs program continues to thrive as legislators, regulators and industry stakeholders look more to PHCC and ASA for guidance in the policymaking process,” they stated. “For us, Legislative Day is Every Day.”
Mark Valentini, PHCC’s Vice President of Legislative Affairs, highlighted the benefits of collaboration. “We are all aligned on our issues,” he told attendees. He noted that ASA’s return to the event for the first time since 2007 reinforced the industry’s collective voice. The objective was to deliver a consistent message to lawmakers and their staff, who often influence policy decisions behind the scenes.
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Delegates prepared for their meetings during the first day. A panel featuring representatives from PHCC, IAPMO, ACCA, and the Family Business Coalition encouraged attendees to prioritize policy discussions over political debates.
Workforce shortages and shifting perceptions
A session on workforce development addressed the industry’s labor crisis. The shortage extends beyond workers—there are not enough instructors to train those interested in the trades.
The group emphasized the need for policies that will open opportunities for young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
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Energy policy and regulatory reform
The conference also focused on energy policy, particularly reforming the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). Established in 1975 during an energy crisis, the law includes provisions requiring periodic reviews of product efficiency standards. Industry leaders argued the process needs updating to provide a clearer, more consistent regulatory environment.
Delegates advocated for responsible energy policies that provide consumers with choices to fit their energy needs. A panel of industry representatives shared concerns about the growing complexity of regulations.
Election outlook and the Capitol Hill push
Brent Buchanan, CEO of polling firm Cygnal, delivered a keynote on the upcoming midterm elections. He described the current political climate as unpredictable. Unlike past cycles, the president’s approval rating and national sentiment are not reliable indicators of outcomes. Instead, voter turnout is being driven by anger, which currently favors Democrats.
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With 35 Senate seats and 19 competitive House races in play, Buchanan predicted a narrow Republican majority in the Senate and a possible Democratic flip in the House. The most likely scenario, he said, is a split Congress, which could complicate the industry’s legislative priorities.
The following morning, delegates gathered for a final briefing before heading to Capitol Hill. After a group photo in the Russell Senate Office Building, they spent the day meeting with lawmakers and staff to advocate for workforce funding and energy reform. Despite the drizzle, their determination remained strong.
