The Environmental Investigation Agency US has condemned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s final rule rolling back requirements under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 to reduce U.S. consumption and production of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs. EIA US said the decision delays the transition to already available and compliant refrigerants.
EIA US said the rollback is at odds with the administration’s claimed pro-industry and affordability agenda. The organization said the original Technology Transition requirements for new equipment were designed to reduce HFC demand in line with the U.S. phasedown, protect consumers from sudden price spikes, and support economic competitiveness.
“Today’s decision is a reckless step backward for climate action, public health and economic certainty. Amid dangerous heat waves, climate-fueled disasters and rising energy costs, the Administration is choosing to weaken one of the most effective climate measures available,” said Avipsa Mahapatra, Climate Campaign Director at EIA US.
According to EIA US, much of the industry has spent years preparing for the transition, while rolling back timelines creates uncertainty for businesses that have invested in innovation, manufacturing, and workforce training. The organization also said prolonging HFC use in the retail food sector to 2032 could lock in new HFC-reliant equipment as HFC supply declines.
EIA US cited EPA data showing that the average supermarket using HFCs leaks as much as 25% of its refrigerant each year. The source also said retail refrigeration equipment manufacturers have invested in climate-friendly technologies that do not rely on potent long-lived greenhouse gases.
“This regulatory rollback stymies U.S. innovation, reduces service sector jobs, and is at odds with the Administration’s goals of U.S. energy independence and dominance,” said Julius Banks, EIA US Senior Technical Lead and former EPA Chief of the GHG Reporting Program.
