RPA Newsletter | First Quarter 2026

Q1 2026

OUR PURPOSE

The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) is advancing intelligent hydronic heating and cooling systems to transform comfort in buildings. Since 1994, we've championed the efficiency and health benefits of hydronic radiant systems, driving progress through education, standards development, and strategic partnerships. We’re harnessing water’s potential as an energy source to pave the way toward a carbon-neutral future.

FROM THE TECHNICAL DESK

Alliance Members,

RPA Momentum Coming Out of AHR 2026

AHR this year was a strong reminder that our industry is moving, and hydronics are right in the middle of it. We had a great turnout at the RPA Annual Meeting. The room was full, the conversations were real, and the direction was clear.

Between the RPA education sessions, booth conversations, and time spent with partners across the industry, one thing stood out; there’s a growing demand for leadership, education, and clear pathways forward. That’s where RPA continues to step in.

What’s Next: RPA Policy Committee

We’re officially launching the RPA Policy Committee. This is about getting organized and proactive by tracking legislation, supporting the right initiatives, and making sure RPA members have a voice where decisions are being made. From local adoption to national conversations around energy and infrastructure, we’re showing up.

If you’ve been looking for a way to get more involved and help shape the future of our industry, this is it.

Please join us: April 10^th at 11AM EST.

Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/22249995544430?p=KJp6Wh8s4J8YwVvkUs

Blue Book Revision – Technical Editing Workshops

This spring, the Radiant Heating and Cooling Installations Guide (a.k.a. The Blue Book) is getting a fresh revision. Each month, we’ll be holding meetings to review, revise, and prepare for republishing this industry staple. Our goal is to publish the 2026 revision in Q2 of this year.

Click the link below to get involved as an author, contributor, or reviewer. Your input will shape the guide that continues to set the standard in our industry.

Please join us: April 20^th at 11AM EST

Teams: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/28621821811565?p=kmIMr19lrpewK57mf7

Save 30% – Renew or rejoin the RPA Today

Our momentum is only possible with members like you. From now through June 30, you can save 30% on your RPA membership with PROMO CODE: RPA30-2026.

Whether you’re renewing or joining for the first time, now is the time to be part of the future of hydronics and water energy.

Join the Conversation, stay engaged and help us lead the industry forward.

Join the Radiant Professionals Alliance today and be part of what’s next!

John A. Mullen

RPA Technical Liaison

Connect on LinkedIn

RPA POLICY PIPELINE

No matter the current atmosphere or legislative output in Washington, DC, 34 state legislatures remain very active; 14 are not in session and two (North Carolina and Wisconsin) are in brief recess and will return in April. In various forms and levels of specificity, over 400 bills relating to geothermal energy have been introduced throughout the US at the state level. Contextually, roughly 20% of bills become law with some states observing considerably higher (60% in Utah) and lower passage rates (5% in Missouri). Nationwide, each state pursues geothermal energy options at varying levels of intensity and specificity; some legislation stipulating timelines for implementation, other language setting aside appropriations for studies or outlines for larger thermal energy network (TEN) regions.

A bill of note in Congress is HR 7977, The Energy Bills Relief Act, introduced in the House on March 18, 2026, by Representatives Sean Casten and Mike Levin. Some from the industry are watching this bill closely with concern that it could roll back changes made by the 2025 tax law to energy credits. If so, it could affect geothermal tax treatment if those earlier changes narrowed eligibility or accelerated the expiration of available credits.

Making our way across the country, currently in Committee in Sacramento, AB 2088 allows gas utilities to fulfill their “duty to serve” customers via thermal energy networks (including geothermal) instead of natural gas, if approved by the CPUC. It also requires the CPUC to establish a regulatory framework, technical standards, and workforce requirements for network deployment. It is currently pending referral in the Assembly and awaiting committee consideration.

In Minnesota, multiple bills (HF 2498, SF 4730, HF 1598) have been filed and are in various stages of the legislative process focusing on geothermal energy systems through funding, rebates, and financing programs. It establishes a geothermal heat exchange rebate program within a state department to provide financial assistance for installing systems that use underground piping and heat pumps, along with a dedicated rebate account in the state treasury. Additional bills appropriate funding for specific geothermal projects, as well as broader programs offering low-interest financing to schools for ventilation improvements and geothermal infrastructure, all aimed at expanding sustainable heating and cooling technologies.

Arizona lawmakers have introduced a resolution supporting the growth of next generation geothermal energy to meet the state’s rising electricity demands. This measure highlights Arizona’s significant geothermal potential—estimated at more than 10 GW—and recognizes the technology as a reliable, carbon free baseload resource. The resolution calls for creating a unified permitting roadmap and aligning agency rules to streamline geothermal development. HCR 2057 ultimately advanced through the legislature and was officially enrolled on March 16, 2026.

In New York, the legislature is currently considering S 3339 which directs The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to develop a geothermal education and outreach program to provide guidelines, planning, and financial support for qualified school districts that wish to convert to a geothermal energy system as their primary source of energy.

Lastly, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, HB 1102, currently pending Governor Spanberger’s signature, would require a report on the (pending passage) renewable energy portfolio standard program including geothermal heating and cooling systems.

BECOME A MEMBER

Do you or someone you know want to make a difference and become part of the Radiant Professionals Alliance? Visit our NEW Website: https://www.radiantprofessionalsalliance.org/ or contact John Mullen at john.mullen@iapmo.org to learn more about becoming an RPA member.

WHY JOIN

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Welcome Duane Morse of Radiant Heat Design & Consulting, specializing in all types of Radiant Heat Systems, Snow Melt Systems, Hydronic (hot water) Heating and Plumbing Services.

Radiant Heat Design & Consulting is the one to call when you need a prompt, professional, and reliable consulting service. Established in the early 1980′s, they have been raising the bar for premier plumbing and heating services in Southeast Wyoming ever since! They are licensed and insured with a master plumber and have been designing and installing radiant heat systems since the early 1990′s.

Duane had been a member of the Radiant Panel Association since 1996 and has recently decided to get back involved with the Radiant Professional Alliance (RPA). He has three of their systems published in the national publication, “Radiant Living” Magazine, and has many operating systems in Wyoming, as well as Colorado, and South Dakota.

Check them out at: radiantheatsystemsanddesign.com

EDUCATION & TRAINING

The RPA offers more complete education on radiant and hydronics than is available anywhere in the industry. Whether for contractors, installers, engineers, or distributors who are installing and designing the systems, RPA provides engaging and practical courses taught by experts who will help all become better radiant and hydronics professionals. Turn to the RPA for training that is cost effective, interactive, and presents the most up-to-date information.

The RPA has been producing FREE virtual educational sessions, for and by our members.

Check out our channel and don't forget to “subscribe” to the Radiant Pros on YouTube.

“LIVE from AHR 2025” - Orlando, Florida

View Session

Online Training Resources

Hydronics University

Personnel Qualifications

Certification to ASSE 19110 and/or 19210 shows that you are knowledgeable of industry best practices, state of the art installation techniques, and compliance with applicable codes and standards has been tested and certified – helping you stand out in a growing workforce. Increase your skills, credibility, and marketability within the hydronics heating and cooling industry by becoming a ASSE 19110 Solar Water Heating System Installer and/or ASSE 19210 Hydronic Heating and Cooling System Installer – a credential that demonstrates your expertise, professionalism, and dedication to clients and employers.

Click here for more information or to purchase ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 19000-2015(R2020) and contact John.Mullen@iapmo.org with any questions or concerns.