The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy criticized an EPA final rule that delays refrigerant transition dates for new supermarket refrigeration equipment in the United States. The groups said the delay could raise demand for existing refrigerants while supply continues to fall under the AIM Act.
According to AHRI and the Alliance, the rule may affect refrigerant costs for supermarkets, commercial buildings, and residential dwellings. The groups said the requirements did not apply to existing equipment, and that supermarkets and other businesses could already keep using and servicing equipment they own.
President Trump signed the AIM Act into law in 2020 to support American air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturing, strengthen domestic production, and protect billions of dollars in investment in the U.S. economy. AHRI and the Alliance said the final rule harms U.S. manufacturers that invested to meet the existing dates by redesigning products, retooling factories, certifying new equipment, expanding domestic production, and training workers.
AHRI and the Alliance also rejected claims that the market is not ready. The groups said next-generation refrigerants are widely available and approved for use today, and that over 90 percent of new residential and light commercial equipment already uses these refrigerants.
“This rule works against basic supply and demand,” said Stephen Yurek, AHRI President and CEO. “By extending the compliance deadline, the EPA is maintaining and even increasing demand in the market for existing refrigerants while supply continues to fall under the AIM Act. So, instead of falling, refrigerant prices are likely to rise, resulting in higher service costs, and higher costs for consumers.”
