HVACR Industry Associations File Federal Court Challenge Against EPA Refrigerant Rule

HVAC

USA: Three HVAC industry associations have filed a legal challenge against portions of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Technology Transitions Reconsideration Rule, arguing that the revisions could drive up refrigerant costs and disrupt the industry's transition to lower-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants. 

The petition was filed by the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI), the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC), and the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). The groups are challenging the EPA’s decision to permit the continued manufacture of certain new commercial refrigeration systems using higher-GWP refrigerants for applications such as supermarkets, retail food stores, and cold-storage facilities. 

Under the revised rule, the EPA has extended compliance deadlines for specific commercial refrigeration equipment, while the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act continues to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The associations contend that this policy creates higher demand for legacy refrigerants even as their supply is being reduced, leading to market imbalances that could increase costs and negatively impact contractors, distributors, and end users.

Source: HVACR Industry Associations