EPISODE · Oct 12, 2025 · 56 MIN
#21-2025 Clay McCombe on State Licensing of HVAC Contractors
from BUILDTank / buildCAST · host Robby Schwarz
Clay McCombe is the heat pump Program Manager for the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) who servs 59 jurisdictions in the Denver metro area. Recently DRCOG was awarded a $200 million grant from the EPA aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants. Clays focus on heat pumps is based on beneficial electrification and improving the air quality in the Denver Metro area, but he has found himself deep into workforce development and introducing statewide licensing for HVAC contractors in Colorado. Why, because the HVAC industry still is not stepping up to design and install their HVAC product properly. From a licensing perspective it is primarily a health and safety issue, but we will see significant performance improvements if training and licensing take off in Colorado and across the country. DRCOG Building Decarbonization programCity of Denver Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR)ESCO Institute-HVAC ExcellenceEnergy Skilled Recognition from the DOEFreakEnomics - Is Professional Licensing a Racket?The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong By Rebecca Allensworth
What this episode covers
Clay McCombe is the heat pump Program Manager for the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) who servs 59 jurisdictions in the Denver metro area. Recently DRCOG was awarded a $200 million grant from the EPA aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants. Clays focus on heat pumps is based on beneficial electrification and improving the air quality in the Denver Metro area, but he has found himself deep into workforce development and introducing statewide licensing for HVAC contractors in Colorado. Why, because the HVAC industry still is not stepping up to design and install their HVAC product properly. From a licensing perspective it is primarily a health and safety issue, but we will see significant performance improvements if training and licensing take off in Colorado and across the country. DRCOG Building Decarbonization programCity of Denver Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (CASR)ESCO Institute-HVAC ExcellenceEnergy Skilled Recognition from the DOEFreakEnomics - Is Professional Licensing a Racket?The Licensing Racket: How We Decide Who Is Allowed to Work, and Why It Goes Wrong By Rebecca Allensworth
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#21-2025 Clay McCombe on State Licensing of HVAC Contractors
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