LOCAL UNION, No. 34, INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD ELECTRICAL WORKERS, Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI, Peoria, Ill., August 28, 1970. Chairman, Subcommittee on Small Business Problems in Smaller Towns and Urban Areas, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: I am writing this complaint in regard to the Federal Agency HUD (Housing and Urban Development). I feel they are trying to make Peoria bow to their whims so they might use Peoria as an example for their inexcusable demands. It appears that although they accept the local codes in some Cities that are very restrictive, in other Cities that have less restrictive codes they are being denied aid unless they are made even less restrictive. An example is Chicago, Illinois which has just adopted a new and revised electrical code, and still maintains conduit in all residences. In Peoria, we have previously lowered our standards to Non-metallic sheathed cable in one and two family dwellings and conduit in all others. Since lowering the standards, we have found many problems involving tampering. Example, the builder, whether it be the Contractor, owner, or person renting the property, making additions after rough wiring has been done by qualified people, and having been inspected. Result is overloaded circuits, poor connections, and sometimes a fire hazard, etc. HUD emphasizes that it is necessary to accept the recognized and accepted industry codes unless there are local geologic, climatic, or soil conditions which warrant a limitation on its use. Still they see fit to accept a more restrictive code in Chicago and refuse to accept a less restrictive code in an area that is no different than Chicago and surrounding areas. I have used Chicago as an example, but I am sure that an investigation will prove that Elgin, Wheaton, Aurora, and other Illinois Cities, smaller than Peoria, have a more restrictive code, similar to Chicago. I am vitally concerned that a Federal Agency can use such a whip to create a condition that affects the health and safety of the public. Enclosed is a letter I received in answer to questions I had requested to be answered by HUD. Prior to receiving the answer to my letter, HUD had representatives in Peoria to meet with City Officials. One of these persons being a Mr. Earl Flanigan, a housing and code specialist. His answers were similar to the enclosed letter. They claim they are not trying to dictate. I say they are trying to dictate, and are depriving the City of aid unless the City bows to their conditions on the Electrical and Plumbing Codes. Why should Peoria, a City that is fast becoming a metropolitan City, not be given the same consideration as Chicago or any other City. If this is done to Peoria, what City will be the next victim? Very truly yours, Mr. JACK BONO, MICHAEL R. MILLER, Assistant Business Manager, Local 34, I.B.E.W. SELECT COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. BONO: The Subcommittee on Small Business Problems in Smaller Towns and Urban Areas, of which I am Chairman, held hearings during February of this year regarding, among other things, the use of plastic pipe in DWV systems in homes. One of the witnesses which appeared before the Subcommittee, testified with respect to the combustibility of the material. In an effort to ascertain more information on this matter, it would be appreciated if you would reply as to whether or not plastic pipe has been tested by your organization, and if so, what were the results of such tests. It would be most kind if this information could be furnished at your earliest convenience. With kindest regards, and best wishes, I am Sincerely yours, JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI, Chairman, Subcommittee on Small Business Problems in Smaller Towns and Urban Areas. Hon. JOHN C. KLUCZYNSKI UNDERWRITERS' LABORATORIES, INC., Northbrook, Ill., September 21, 1970. House of Representatives of the United States, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. KLUCZYNSKI: This is in reply to your recent (undated) letter addressed to our Mr. Bono. We have not, as yet, tested plastic pipe used in DWV systems in homes with respect to combustibility of the material. Our services are available for such work and we have so advised some manufacturers. Yours very truly, W. J. SMITH, Associate Managing Engineer, Heating Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Department. CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Washington, D.C., September 20, 1970. Congressman JOHN KLUCZYNSKI, Rayburn Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR CONGRESSMAN: It has come to my attention that Sub-Committee # 3 held hearings in Chicago late last week in connection with the soil pipe industry and a recent directive from the Department of Housing and Urban Development calling for a change in plumbing codes, increasing the use of plastic pipe. The largest city in my District, Anniston, has rightfully been called the Soil Pipe Capital of the World. The decision by HUD is causing concern among residents in Anniston, many of whom work at the various foundries in the city. Needless to say, Anniston's economy could suffer a severe blow if the change is allowed to stand. I am firmly opposed to the change implemented by HUD. Of course, I am interested in the welfare of my constituents, but I also feel that, in many cases, the consumer world suffer if a cheap and less expensive grade of plastic is used. I would greatly appreciate it if your sub-committee would take formal notice of my views on this matter. With best wishes, I am Sincerely, О BILL NICHOLS, Member of Congress. THE IMPACT OF THE ENERGY AND FUEL CRISIS ON SMALL BUSINESS HEARINGS BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON SPECIAL SMALL BUSINESS PROBLEMS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON SMALL BUSINESS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETY-FIRST CONGRESS SECOND SESSION PURSUANT TO H. Res. 66 A RESOLUTION CREATING A SELECT COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT 52-501 WASHINGTON, D.C., OCTOBER 6, 7, AND 8, 1970 Printed for the use of the Select Committee on Small Business U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE WASHINGTON: 1970 |