As chilly evenings return and the thought of a crackling fireplace or woodstove warms the mood, keep safety in mind when starting that first fire. The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association has important safety tips for consumers:

• Make sure the fireplace damper is open.
• Make sure chimneys and vents are clear of creosote build­up or obstructions.
• Clean out ashes from previous wood fires.
• Don’t build too big a wood fire.
• Use a fire screen or glass door in front of the fire to prevent room sparks.
• Make sure the area around the fireplace or woodstove is clear of furniture, books, newspapers and other potentially flammable materials.
• Test smoke detector batteries to ensure proper operation.
• Burn only dry, well ­seasoned split logs or manufactured logs. Mix soft woods with hard woods for long­ glowing ember beds.
• For gas fireplaces, clean the fan and related air­ circulation passages and make sure vents are unobstructed.
• Never burn garbage, charcoal or plastic in the fireplace. Do not burn chemically treated, painted or stained wood from construction sites or driftwood found on the beach.
• Never use gasoline or any liquid accelerant to help start a fire.
• Keep small children and pets away from the fireplace.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and make certain it is completely extinguished before going to bed.
• If building a wood fire, keep the fire proportionate to the fireplace size.
• Don’t close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
• Always follow your state and local burning regulations and programs.

Specialty hearth products retailers who are members of HPBA can show homeowners the latest efficient hearth products and answer any safety or maintenance questions. Look for dealers whose technicians are certified by the National Fireplace Institute (NFI), because they have earned the highest designation for installation and service for hearth products.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue (HPBA) is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms and allied associates for all types of hearth, barbecue, patio appliances, and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, and consumer education.

Retailers belonging to the South Central states of HPBA have special training and experience to provide expert advice on all fireplace needs. To locate retailers, visit www.schpba.org or call (903) 533­1674.
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Arlington, VA – (January 11, 2017) – The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) applauds Congressmen Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) along with six other members of the U.S. House of Representatives for introducing legislation today to ensure regulatory fairness for wood appliance manufacturers, retailers, and consumers––wood and pellet stoves, hydronic heaters, and wood furnaces.

The legislation, formally known as the “Relief from New Source Performance Standards Act of 2017,” would extend the May 15, 2020 effective date of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) regulation for new wood and pellet stoves, hydronic heaters, and wood furnaces by three years to May 15, 2023.

“With an effective date just over three years from now, this regulation stands to put thousands of U.S. manufacturing, distribution, and retail jobs in peril. It would increase hardships in rural communities across the country,” said Jack Goldman, President & CEO of HPBA. “With only five labs in North America qualified to test all products impacted by this rule, there simply isn’t enough time for manufacturers to complete research and development, product testing, and have their completed test reports reviewed by EPA by the end of 2018 so that they’re in stores by 2020.”

The typical business cycle in the industry necessitates at least three years before a product can be sold at a specialty retail store. An extension is preferred over a complete repeal of the rule to avoid consumer choice becoming severely limited. If a federal standard is not maintained, state governments would likely establish different standards. This would affect the products that could be sold between different state markets. The effort to extend the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) deadline has received bipartisan support from Congress.

“Our bill provides much needed relief for wood stove manufacturers and consumers alike. My constituents are tired of an overly aggressive EPA setting unachievable regulations that do nothing but hurt our employers and raise prices for those simply looking to heat their homes during cold winters,” said Congressman Peterson.

“Affordable heating solutions are important to many of my constituents, and federal regulations must take into account the real world needs and time constraints of industries, like wood stove manufacturers, that make these products. This bill is a simple one – it gives wood stove manufacturers the time they need to comply with federal regulations and develop new technologies. I’m pleased to join Rep. Peterson in introducing this bipartisan bill,” said Congressman Goodlatte.

HPBA and its members are encouraged by early support for this legislation, and look forward to working with the cosponsoring Representatives listed below to protect American manufacturing jobs and ensure common sense environmental policies.

• Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN)
• Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
• Rep. Billy Long (R-MO)
• Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO)
• Rep. Thomas Emmer (R-MN)
• Rep. Jason Lewis (R-MN)
• Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI)
• Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI)

Extending the date that the NSPS requirements go into effect will not only provide manufacturers with equal opportunity and necessary access to testing labs, it  will also ensure stability in the retailer market, an important staple to healthy local economies. Furthermore, additional time will allow for the development of more efficient and reliable woodburning heaters for American homes. The regulations only apply to woodburning appliances manufactured after May 15, 2015, not to existing products in homes.

HPBA and its members have been long-time champions of woodburning product innovation through more efficient and cleaner burning technology. Biomass, such as wood, is an important renewable home heating option. HPBA takes every opportunity to ensure the general public has a wide variety of woodburning appliances available.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based in Arlington, Va., is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of barbecue, patio and hearth appliances, fuels, and accessories. The association provides professional member services and industry support in education, statistics, government relations, marketing, advertising, and consumer education.

Arlington, Va. – Dad deserves the best, starting with breakfast. This Father’s Day, Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) is encouraging a new tradition for dear ol’ dad: surprising him by grilling up a breakfast feast.

“Father’s Day is the fourth most popular grilling day, when 49% of grill owners will be firing up their grill to prepare a celebratory meal,” said Carrie deGuzman, Senior Manager of Communications for Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA). “Most likely, it’s basic burgers and brats for lunch or dinner. This year, whether you are a grilling novice or an aspiring pitmaster, you can create an unforgettable gift by starting his day with a hearty breakfast you prepared over the flame just for him.”

HPBA recommends a savory as well as sweet dish for your Father’s Day breakfast on the grill:

Grilled Eggs by Steven Raichlen, Author of Perfect Smoke

Ingredients
1 ½ tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil
2 eggs
1 ounce slivered ham or crumbled cooked bacon (optional)
1 tablespoon heavy cream
1 ounce grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gouda, cheddar, or other cheese
1 tablespoon breadcrumbs

Set up your grill for direct grilling and preheat to medium-high (400 degrees). Grease a small ovenproof skillet, baking dish or ramekin with ½ tablespoon of the butter or olive oil. Crack in the eggs and sprinkle ham or bacon (if using) on top. Pour in the cream. Sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs. Dot the tops of the eggs with
the remaining butter or oil. Place the skillet with the eggs on the grill away from the heat. Toss the wood chips on the coals or place in the smoker box of your gas grill. Grill over indirect heat until the crumbs are browned and the eggs are just set, 7 to 10 minutes. (The yolks should remain a little runny in the center.) Serve the eggs at once with strips or slices of fire-grilled toast.

Outdoor Cinnamon Rolls with Bacon by Ray Lampe, Dr. BBQ

The little bit of flavor from the grill combined with the smokiness of the bacon really makes this easy dish something special!

Ingredients
1 roll of 8 refrigerator cinnamon rolls
4 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

Prepare the grill to cook indirect at 350 degrees. Place rolls on a baking sheet in a circle so they are just barely touching each other. Cook on the grill for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Remove from grill, top with package icing, then sprinkle with crumbled bacon.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based just outside of Washington, DC, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of fireplace, stove, heater, barbecue, and outdoor living appliances and accessories. HPBA provides professional member services and industry support in government relations, events, market research, education, certifications, consumer education, and industry promotion.

Arlington, Va. – It’s summertime and breakfast (or brunch) is often the one meal that families with hectic summer schedules can carve out to enjoy together. From classics like bacon and eggs to adventurous dishes such as warm cinnamon rolls, the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association (HPBA) encourages people to cook their morning meal on the grill.

“Grilling is quick, easy, and mess-free – a perfect cooking option for anytime of the day,” said Carrie deGuzman, Director – Communications for Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. “And breakfast staples such as eggs, bacon, and toast taste delicious with that charred, fresh-from-the-grill taste. We encourage everyone to enjoy breakfast over the flame at least once this summer for one of the most memorable meals you will have all year.”

New to grilling breakfast and not sure where to start? Check out these grilled and smoked breakfast recipes from our friends:

For a sweet start, try this Pear and Maple Breakfast Sausage courtesy of USAPears. “These sausages are extremely simple to make, freeze well, and cook up like a dream – crispy edges, tender centers, and a burst of juicy, sweet pear in every bite.”
For an unparalleled umami burst, make the Steakhouse Breakfast from Mushroom Council and American Egg Board. “Fried egg, spreadable blue cheese, sautéed assorted mushrooms, and steak strips on Asiago Cheese Focaccia” makes for a delicious breakfast.
For an egg-cellent eat, grill a Bacon & Egg Breakfast Grilled Cheese Sandwich from the American Egg Board. “Grilled cheese sandwich recipes aren’t just for lunch or dinner, add a scrambled egg and some bacon for a yummy breakfast version.”
For a spicy snack, enjoy Grilled Spicy Watermelon courtesy of the Watermelon Board. “Watermelon wedges are grilled until caramelized, drizzled with garlic chili sauce, and garnished with cilantro.”
For a quick kick, create this Chipotle Egg Sandwich from The National Onion Association. “A grab ‘n go sandwich for breakfast with a little kick!”
Make and share your own grilled breakfast dish in our #BarbecueBreakfast Recipe Contest by August 18 for a chance to win great prizes. View the complete contest guidelines.

The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), based just outside of Washington, DC, is the North American industry association for manufacturers, retailers, distributors, representatives, service firms, and allied associates for all types of fireplace, stove, heater, barbecue, and outdoor living appliances and accessories. HPBA provides professional member services and industry support in government relations, events, market research, education, certifications, consumer education, and industry promotion.

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Media Contact: Eric Davis, Harvest PR & Marketing, 612.424.7545, eric@Harvest-PR.com

WHO: Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association

WHAT: The newly proposed consent decree to settle Harley-Davidson’s alleged Clean Air Act violation no longer includes funds towards a $3 million woodstove changeout program in the northeast.

WHEN: The proposed consent decree was published today.

WHERE: Northeast, U.S.

WHY: The decision by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to remove the provision funding an environmental mitigation project in the northeastern U.S. is highly disappointing. Woodstove changeout programs funded by settlement agreements are important public-private partnerships between local and regional organizations and the U.S. government with the goal of mitigating environmental harm directly impacting residents, especially rural communities. This program would have changed out thousands of older woodstoves in the northeast, replacing them with today’s newer, cleaner-burning woodstoves that U.S. manufacturers have invested millions of dollars developing. We intend to submit comments to DOJ in the next 30 days and implore the Administration to consider restoring the changeout program, an environmental mitigation project that, according to DOJ’s June 5 guidance memo, should be exempt from the memo’s restrictions.

HPBA will be kicking off Fire Prevention Week (October 8–14) by co-hosting a Twitter Party on fireplace and stove safety with the National Chimney Sweep Guild and Mom Bloggers Club, a leading blog for moms. The Twitter Party will take place October 10 at 1:00–2:00 pm EST and feature tips for enjoying fireplace, stove, and heater products safely, including the following.