Steffes Execs travel to D.C. for ETS, O&G advocacy

Steffes founder Paul Steffes and Co-President Todd Mayer traveled to Washington, D.C., on May 20 – 21, 2024, where they joined more than two hundred Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) members and industry colleagues to participate in the 2024 AHRI Policy Symposium. The symposium provides AHRI members with a unique opportunity to discuss industry legislative and regulatory priorities with key congressional representatives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and decarbonization efforts.

When asked about the significance of their visit to Capitol Hill, Paul Steffes expressed, “This trip was important for us to visit with senators and representatives and to let them know that AHRI is doing good things and that we’re doing great things with our Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) products in the heating and ventilating industry as well.”

During their visit, Todd and Paul sat in on many dynamic keynote speakers, regulatory and legislative panel sessions, and meetings regarding tax incentives for Electric Thermal Storage products. Todd emphasized, “It’s important for our congressional leaders to understand the importance of these tax rebates and how they affect us and help our industry.”

“ETS is a big part of Steffes’ strategic plan,” he added, “and having tax benefits will certainly give us some tailwinds to get this technology into the United States. It’s a bigger picture than just Steffes; it helps the entire country.”

Todd and Paul also met with North Dakota Senators John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer while they were in D.C. and discussed AHRI’s work and the exciting developments we’re undertaking in North Dakota. Due to busy schedules, Todd, Paul, and North Dakota Representative Kelly Armstrong were not able to coordinate a meeting, but they are looking forward to bringing him up to speed during their next visit.

During their two busy days of meetings, Todd and Paul both shared a memorable experience they will never forget – riding the Senate Subway. It is an underground transportation system between the Capitol and the three Senate office buildings. It has three carts that can transport 25 people at a time, reaching speeds of 14 miles per hour. The memorable moment was captured in a photograph, and the expressions on their faces say it all. “It kind of felt like Disney,” Paul remarked. “It wasn’t a thrill ride, but it was an honor.”

While Todd and Paul were in D.C., they also had the chance to connect with members of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to discuss new and upcoming regulations for flaring in the oil and gas industry, such as Quad-O. “It’s important for us to feel confident in our oil and gas products and give our customers that same confidence that we meet flaring regulations… for them to know that we are committed to being in the forefront of the regulations and not being a follower,” said Todd. “It’s not just about making the product; it’s more than a product. It’s the service, support, and consulting that we do along with it to find a solution.”