Message from the Executive Board:
 
Happy New Year to everyone! 
 
While most of us were anxious to see 2020 go away, it looks like 2021 may be off to a rocky start. 2021 will be a very important year for our industry. The Code revision process should be finalized, and MPC committee members are privileged to be participating on the creation of a brand new NYC Existing Building Code. This Code has been promised since 2008 and it is critical that we get it right. Most of the issues plumbers and inspectors encounter are trying to fit a new Code standard into an existing building situation. This is especially true with gas pipe replacements and installations. From what we understand once this Code is enacted, references to existing buildings will be removed from the Construction Codes.  
 
Thanks to actions by the NYC Council, Local Law 152 compliance requirements have been extended. By the end of 2021, over 160,000 inspections must be completed. The MPC will continue to work on clarification of the inspection process. 
 
2021 will see the first renewals for DOT Task 86/87 Operator Qualification. The Gas working group is working on the final details for this and as well as the creation of a refresher course. 2021 may also see an increase in the instances where Operator Qualification will be required.
 
During the pandemic, the MPC has done our best to provide members with the most up to date information. Between providing weekly updates and access to our committees, we were able to help more than 100 members this past year. We would like to thank all of the members who have and continue to make us aware of potential industry issues. We couldn’t do this without your participation and support. 
 
Another group that is always there to support us both financially and in other ways is our Affiliate Members. Our complete list of Affiliate Members has been included in this newsletter. In addition to being a great source of information for the products and/or services they represent, their continued support allows us to continue to grow and be effective in representing membership. We ask that you continue to support them by reaching out to them for information, allowing them to recommend products for your projects and, when it works for you, purchase their products. 
 
Happy New Year! Stay safe! Let’s all hope that better days are ahead of us!