Rhoades Legislation Would Allow Coal-Fired Boilers in Homes Again

Measure Corrects Unintended Consequence of Uniform Construction Code

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29) that would exclude residential coal-fired boilers from certain standards in the state's Uniform Construction Code.

Senate Bill 1179 would correct an unintended consequence of the code, which currently does not allow coal-fired boilers to be installed in residential homes. The 2003 International Residential Code was the basis for the technical standards in the law.

"Coal-fired boilers are routinely and safely installed in homes, but unfortunately the Uniform Construction Code prohibited them," said Rhoades. "This translates into a large expense for manufacturers, as well as for Pennsylvania residents who want to heat their homes with coal. My legislation will fix the law's language to allow coal-fired boilers in homes again."

The measure now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.