The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and Heating, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) have filed an appeal against a recent court decision that upheld New York State’s broad restrictions on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The appeal, submitted to the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Judicial Department, challenges the December 22, 2025 ruling in In the Matter of HARDI and AHRI v. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
The two industry organizations are seeking to overturn the lower court’s decision, arguing that the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation did not follow proper administrative procedures when adopting the amended Part 494 on HFC Standards and Reporting Regulations. They are requesting full annulment of the rules due to concerns about enforcement challenges, compliance costs, and the limited availability of alternative refrigerants.
AHRI and HARDI contend that the regulations impose requirements that are currently unachievable for the HVACR market. These include bans on bulk regulated substances, restrictions on substances with global warming potential (GWP) values above 10 or 20, and expanded regulation of residential HVAC equipment.
“AHRI opposes this ruling, which, if left in place, would greatly burden both consumers and manufacturers,” said Stephen Yurek, President and CEO of AHRI. “At a time when affordability and accessibility should be top of mind, the court’s decision does not adequately address our concerns with the current market, the growing compliance demands on businesses, or the feasibility of implementing these regulations.”
“Part 494 sets mandates the market cannot meet,” said Talbot Gee, CEO of HARDI. “There are no products and safety standards for the refrigerant alternatives New York is requiring, making compliance unrealistic. HARDI and AHRI will appeal this decision and continue advocating for a safe and workable approach.”
