WDMA Sought Greater Use of Online Training Options  

[Washington, DC- 2/12/16] - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a change to the refresher training for renovators currently required under the Lead: Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP).  Specifically, EPA will allow renovators to take a refresher course without mandatory "hands-on" training, such as online courses, once every other recertification instead of every time.  This action comes after a direct advocacy effort by WDMA and others, which included meetings with EPA and the White House's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to provide industry knowledge and recommendations. Read more.

Support Achievable Building Energy Codes and FHA Mortgage Guidelines Recognizing Energy Efficiency

The U.S. Senate could vote on key amendments at any time to the Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015 (S. 2012).  WDMA is seeking inclusion of two amendments that are of importance to the industry. The first is an amendment that clearly defines the Department of Energy's (DOE) role in model energy code development and guarantees that certain products and technologies are not given preferential treatment.  The second is an amendment to ensure more accurate mortgage underwriting for energy-efficient home features by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Read more.

[WASHINGTON, DC - 1/26/16] The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that Crystal Finishing Systems is the newest member of the association. Crystal Finishing Systems features 6 Aluminum Extrusion Presses with Billet sizes ranging from 7" to 12". (.040 and above wall thickness available) Services include a High Speed 30' Vertical 4 Booth 2603 to 2605 Paintline, 32' Anodize line, Several 24' horizontal 2603 to 2605 standard and custom color liquid and powder coating lines. Full fabrication services for up to 5 axis 48' machine centers. Sub Assembly work, 3rd party shipping, warehousing programs and lower 48 state delivery services with our 50 plus tractor trailers. 1.6 million square feet of manufacturing/warehouse facilities staffed with 800 highly trained personnel. All of Crystal Finishing Aluminum Extrusion and Fabrication facilities are ISO certification 9001-2008. Read more.

WASHINGTON, DC - The Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) announced today that Menck Windows is the newest member of the association. Menck Windows was founded in 2013 and manufactures finely-crafted, energy-efficient windows, doors and curtain walls for residential, commercial and institutional buildings.  Earlier this year the company began building fenestration products for the North American market in its new production facility located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Read more.

The House of Representative is expected to vote on the North American Energy Security and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 8) sometime this week. WDMA is supporting this bill, which includes a provision known as "Blackburn/Schrader," which clearly defines the Department of Energy's (DOE) role in new model energy code development and guarantees that certain products and technologies are not given preferential treatment. WDMA opposes any amendments that would strike "Blackburn/Schrader" from the overall bill.WDMA encourages all members to take action by visiting the Legislative Action Center and sending a letter telling their Representative to support H.R. 8. Read more.