HPBA and manufacturers, including Rasmussen, continue to engage the Department of Energy (DOE) as well as other “interest groups”, such as National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) and American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) to bring sense to the energy conservation rules that affect decorative gas fireplaces enacted by DOE last year.

HPBA filed a lawsuit to protect our rights, but is trying to negotiate a solution rather than litigate. Much of our industry's efforts have been under the umbrella of Privileged Attorney-Client communications, but rest assured that the industry is trying to find an solution amenable to our industry. Another meeting between HPBA, DOE, NRDC and ACEEE will take place in mid-March. Stay tuned …