Strong Industry Representation Yields Results
The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) hosted a Congressional Fly-In on July 22-23, bringing together HPBA members from across the U.S. to advocate for industry priorities on Capitol Hill. The delegation included participants from the Government Affairs Leadership Academy classes of 2024–2025 and 2025–2026, as well as HPBA Board of Directors members, and participating Affiliate Executive Directors.
The group conducted over 50 meetings with legislators and their staff, focusing primarily on garnering support for the Energy Choice Act (H.R. 3699/S. 1945), which protects consumer access to gas appliances. Participants also addressed concerns about solid fuels, emphasizing the importance of product education, support for the EPA’s Wood Heater program, and appliance changeout programs.
“We are not just advocating for homeowners but for the improvement of industry professionals,” Melissa Womack, President of CDR Fireplaces said.
Voices from the Hill: Member Experiences
For many attendees, the motivation to participate stemmed from a desire to become more directly involved in the policy-making process. Nick Uhles, Sales Director at AF Distributors, said his goal was to “be more engaged in the advocacy side of the hearth business” and to educate himself, his dealers, and his local HPBA affiliate on how HPBA is working for them and the industry.
Uhles described that “most legislators were very engaging and wanted to know more about our industry and roles in the Energy Choice Act and how it affects constituents.” LJ Johnston, Texas Operations Manager at CUI, explained that the presence of the Energy Choice Act on the legislative floor provided a tangible opportunity to present real-world examples and specific asks during our meetings.
“Many legislators were either unaware of the bill or did not fully understand its potential impact on the industry and, more broadly, on the lives of Americans nationwide,” Johnston said.
Real-World Impact and Personal Stories
To illustrate the real-world impact of energy policies, Johnston shared a personal story from the 2021 Texas winter storm. “My own grandmother, for instance, resorted to burning her dining room chairs in her fireplace to stay warm.” These stories underscored the critical need for diverse energy options.
Johnston gained more understanding of the challenges facing lawmakers. “He articulated the demanding nature of their responsibilities, emphasizing the extensive time away from family and the emotional toll it takes,” Johnston said, adding that the representative described his work as “even more strenuous than his three tours with the Army.”
The Importance of Industry Advocacy
For HPBA members, advocacy is about more than just policy; it’s a commitment to the industry’s future and the people it serves. Beyond the Energy Choice Act, participants also discussed solid fuel concerns, specifically the EPA’s role in certifying wood and pellet products.
“I think one of the biggest reasons why advocacy has become important to me is because of my deep commitment to this industry and my desire to preserve the energy options we provide for consumers in their homes,” Johnston said. “Many believe that government actions are unlikely to impact their businesses directly; however, this perspective overlooks the broader implications for our neighbors and fellow small business owners across the country who rely on collective support to navigate potential regulatory challenges.”
Looking Forward
The participants expressed enthusiasm for future advocacy efforts and encouraged their peers to get involved. Johnston stressed that anyone can be an effective advocate. “There is no requirement to be perfectly polished or highly experienced; authenticity, honesty, and clarity are what truly matter,” he stated.
As legislation affecting the hearth industry continues to evolve, events like the legislative fly-in ensure that the voices of HPBA members and the consumers they serve are heard in the halls of Congress. “The 2025 Congressional Fly-In demonstrates the power of unified industry advocacy and the importance of direct engagement with policymakers,” said HPBA President & CEO Jill McClure.