Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained the purpose of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, which he believes will be introduced into Congress next week.
In 2007, Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act, which includes regulations to monitor and maintain federal buildings for energy efficiency. The law mandates energy audits for federal buildings but does not specifically mention mechanical insulation, Ielmini said.
The Federal Mechanical Insulation Act would amend existing federal regulations by including mechanical insulation as a line item required as part of an energy audit, Ielmini explained. He estimates federal buildings may lack 10 percent to 30 percent of the necessary mechanical insulation, which results in substantial energy waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Ielmini also touched on the LMCT’s lobbying efforts to get the bill introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about the LMCT’s efforts to pass the bill: