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ICC is not benefited by this activity, IAPMO is. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) adds creditability to IAPMO. IAPMO is not formidable competition to ICC in the development of codes. The majority of states that were considering adoption of either the I Codes or the IAPMO Codes adopted the I Codes. Some states reversed their earlier decision to adopt the IAPMO Codes and adopted the I Codes. The MOU signed with IAPMO gives them a presence in the states that chose the I Codes over the IAMPO Codes as well as in those states where the I Codes have been adopted. IAPMO membership will utilize the MOU and involvement with ICC to influence state and local legislation dealing with codes and amendments. IAPMO’s membership is primarily labor union representatives. IAPMO membership prefers code provisions that are labor intensive and not the technical merits of the products or the merits of the specific code coverage. IAPMO membership will dominate the code development committee hearings with floor action. IAPMO has partnered with NFPA to develop an ANSI approved consensus Plumbing and Mechanical Code but fails to comply with its own and NFPA’s extraction policy that is designed to eliminate conflict and duplication between codes and standards. IAPMO Codes are more expensive than the ICC Codes The cost of installing mechanical and plumbing systems under the IAPMO Codes is usually greater than under the I Codes. Many states and local jurisdictions have adopted the I Codes due to the inflated installation costs under the IAPMO Codes. IAMPO will gain some influence over the plumbing provisions of the IRC (Chapter 25). This stands to anger one of ICC’s strongest allies, the National Association of Home Builders. The MOU will have a very broad, sweeping effect on the members of ICC. Most of the effects will not be fully realized until the MOU has been executed. The membership of the ICC after being informed of the pros and cons of IAMPO and such an agreement should be afforded the opportunity to comment on the MOU before it is executed.
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