Sánchez, Fitzpatrick introduce bipartisan bill to create jobs, promote energy efficiency

WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) today reintroduced the bipartisan Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act to create jobs and promote energy efficiency. 

Mechanical insulation has been shown to drastically cut energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in commercial buildings. Unfortunately, it is currently cost-prohibitive for many employers. The bill provides a tax incentive for skilled-labor installation of mechanical insulation in buildings to make them more energy efficient.

“Mechanical insulation is one of the most overlooked yet effective solutions for improving energy efficiency, and it’s time we recognize its true potential,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “Our bill will support investments in energy-efficient upgrades for buildings across our country – from schools to hospitals to manufacturing plants and office buildings – while also creating good-paying union jobs. By incentivizing the skilled-labor installation of mechanical insulation, we can lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable future.”

“The Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act is a commonsense policy solution to reducing energy waste, cutting emissions, lowering operating costs for businesses, and creating well-paying, skilled jobs across the country. At a time when strengthening American energy independence and dominance is more critical than ever, this bipartisan legislation quite simply encourages investments that will bring us closer to a more sustainable, energy efficient future. I am proud to partner with Congresswoman Sánchez in advancing this pragmatic and business-friendly climate proposal,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. 

 The Mechanical Insulation Installation Incentive Act:

• Provides a tax credit for up to 10 percent of the labor costs incurred by a taxpayer in installing mechanical insulation property on pipes and equipment.
   
• Saves energy, lowers energy costs, and reduces energy consumption while supporting good-paying union jobs.

Mechanical insulation encompasses all thermal, acoustical and personal safety requirements for mechanical piping and equipment, as well as heating, ventilating and air condition (HVAC) applications. The system is used across a wide platform of commercial and industrial buildings to decrease heating and cooling costs while increasing efficiency.

This bill is endorsed by the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and the Labor Management Cooperative Trust.

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