North America: WaterSense program shutdown averted

The House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee, which oversees US EPA funding, recently outlined its support of the that agency’s WaterSense program, while rejecting its proposed elimination. The WaterSense label signifies that the product meets high performance standards while using at least 20 percent less water than products meeting federal water-efficiency standards. Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) applauded the committee members for taking a strong stance to promote the continued funding and operation of the program. The association and its members (along with a number of trade associations and non-governmental organizations) have met with dozens of members of Congress, including members of the Appropriations Committee, to underscore the benefits of the program. PMI is supporting similar report language in the Senate.