NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2021
Bill: H.R.5511 | Sponsor: Rep. Cartwright, Matt (D-PA)
Policy area: Science, Technology, Communications

Summary:
NIST Plumbing Research Act of 2021
This bill directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, to
The bill defines premise plumbing as the water distribution system within the property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent structures on such property. This term also includes building supply and distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating and water-using equipment; and all respective joints, connections, devices, and appurtenances.

To require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to 
    establish a premise plumbing research laboratory, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``NIST Plumbing Research Act of 
2021''.

SEC. 2. PREMISE PLUMBING RESEARCH.

    (a) Premise Plumbing Defined.--In this Act, the term ``premise 
plumbing'' means the water distribution system located within the 
property lines of a property, including all buildings and permanent 
structures on such property. Such term includes building supply and 
distribution pipes, fixtures, fittings, water heaters, water-treating 
and water-using equipment, and all respective joints, connections, 
devices, and appurtenances.
    (b) Research.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Director of the National Institute of 
Standards and Technology, in collaboration with the Administrator of 
the Environmental Protection Agency and the Secretary of Energy, 
shall--
            (1) establish or designate a laboratory to conduct research 
        on premise plumbing in relation to water safety, security, 
        efficiency, sustainability, and resilience;
            (2) conduct an organizational review of all research and 
        other activities related to premise plumbing conducted by 
        Federal entities; and
            (3) appoint one or more officers or employees of the 
        Institute to liaise with non-Federal entities conducting 
        research or other activities related to premise plumbing.
    (c) Quadrennial Reports.--Not later than 4 years after the date of 
the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every 4 
years thereafter, the Director shall submit to Congress a report on the 
progress made by the Institute regarding--
            (1) the status of the laboratory described in subsection 
        (b)(1), including any staff designated to work in such 
        laboratory;
            (2) all projects of the Institute related to premise 
        plumbing, including completed projects, projects in progress, 
        and projects planned for the future;
            (3) updates to data relevant to premise plumbing system 
        structure, design, and construction; and
            (4) any progress of private organizations in updating 
        premise plumbing standards.
    (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to the National Institute of Standards and Technology such 
sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.
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