This legislation is in response to HFC regulations from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. These proposed regulations differ significantly from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approach, and AHRI has been involved in commenting on these regulations and their potential impact on the HVACR and water heating industry. New York’s proposed HFC regulations would not offer much in the way of new or additional climate benefits. But they will pose risks to people in the state that rely on air conditioning, refrigeration, and water heating equipment.
New York’s proposed regulations would make unnecessary changes to regulations already finalized by the EPA. These proposed HFC regulations would add cost and make compliance more complicated for business owners in the state. In a worst-case scenario, New York’s proposed regulations will prevent manufacturers and retailers from making and selling air conditioners and refrigerators in the state. This could be as soon as next year for some product categories – and the problem could grow worse as the decade wears on. All this can and should be avoided.
AHRI asks members to join the organization in supporting this legislation to ensure a singular, national refrigerant transition.