ASA and PHCC Bring Workforce Priorities to Capitol Hill
Key Highlights
- Over 120 professionals participated in 127 meetings with congressional offices to advocate for workforce and energy policy priorities.
- Key focus areas included expanding apprenticeship programs, improving access to technical education, and modernizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
- The conference underscored the industry's role in national safety, energy delivery, and economic growth, emphasizing the need for continued legislative advocacy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 120 plumbing, heating, cooling, and pipe-valve-fitting industry professionals met with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., May 5-6 during the 2026 ASA-PHCC Legislative Conference to advocate for workforce development and energy policy priorities affecting the HVAC and plumbing industries.
The event, organized by American Supply Association and Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors — National Association, included 127 meetings with congressional offices over two days.
Attendees included contractors, distributors, and manufacturers representing the plumbing, heating, cooling, and pipe-valve-fitting supply chain.
A primary focus of the meetings was workforce development and expanding access to skilled trades careers. Industry members urged lawmakers to increase support for apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, and expanded Pell Grant eligibility for short-term workforce training programs.
Participants also encouraged Congress to modernize and strengthen the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to better connect workers with employer-led training opportunities in skilled trades industries.
Energy policy reform was another key topic during the conference. Members discussed support for the Energy Choice Act, the Energy Distribution Systems Act, and the “Freedom to Choose” amendment to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act.
According to attendees, the policies would help preserve consumer choice related to fuel selection and appliance standards while supporting energy affordability, infrastructure reliability, and innovation.
Industry representatives also emphasized the role of natural gas infrastructure in delivering energy to residential and commercial customers.
“With 15-20% of Congress turning over each election cycle, it is critically important for our industry to come to the nation’s capital and educate elected leaders on the vital role the PHCP-PVF industry plays in the health, safety and well-being of our country,” said Mike Adelizzi, CEO of ASA.
Adelizzi said participation from representatives across the supply chain helped strengthen the industry’s message during meetings with lawmakers.
Mark Valentini, vice president of legislative affairs for PHCC, said the joint conference demonstrated the close relationship between contractors and suppliers and highlighted industry support for workforce programs and a modernized national energy strategy.
ASA and PHCC said they plan to continue advocating on legislative and regulatory issues affecting workforce development, energy policy, supply chain operations, and long-term industry growth.