Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is calling for a renewed effort by industry partners to develop a consensus industry policy for states pursuing the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants, while continuing to express concern about a proposal to allow a mere six-month sell-through period for HFC-using units manufactured prior to the proposed 2023 deadline.

California recently passed the California Cooling Act, directing the California Air Resources Board to develop regulations to reduce the use of HFCs in air-conditioning and refrigeration products. Several industry members recently announced their support for certain proposed measures – negotiated by a few manufacturers without input from the HVACR industry at large – for meeting the state's HFC emissions reduction target; however, HARDI has abstained from signing on until consensus can be reached on a more realistic sell-through period.

"The proposed six-month sell-through period ending in the middle of summer is untenable for our members, suppliers, and customers,” said HARDI Vice President of Government Affairs Palmer Schoening. "We favor a plan that does not burden the entire distribution channel at the height of selling season and a process that is inclusive of all stakeholders. AHRI has been leading this consensus-focused version of this plan, and we ask the industry to follow their lead on this issue."

Recent announcements by New York, Connecticut and Maryland to pursue similar HFC reductions increases the need for industry-wide consensus on this important issue, as those states are likely to follow California’s lead.

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