AHRI, Alliance seek review of EPA Refrigerant Rule

ARLINGTON, Virginia, United States, 26 June 2026: The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy filed a petition for judicial review in the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit arguing that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not follow required procedures in developing the Technology Transitions Reconsideration Final Rule, 91 Fed. Reg. 31,284, issued on May 26, 2026.

AHRI, which represents manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, commercial refrigeration and water heating equipment, stressed that its opposition to the rule revolved primarily around the EPA’s lack of proper procedure in the rule’s formulation, arguing that it could set a potentially harmful precedent for future federal rulemakings.

Stephen Yurek, President & CEO, AHRI, said: “While AHRI and its member companies respect and agree with the Trump Administration’s goal of reducing economic burden and increasing consumer affordability, we take issue with the way this rule was developed. The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act) established specific criteria for rulemakings related to its implementation. Those include proper economic analysis and a compliance lead time of at least one year. Neither of those criteria were followed in this case.”

The Alliance noted the considerable efforts of manufacturers in preparing for an efficient transition to lower-GWP refrigerants.

John Hurst, Alliance Executive Director, said: “The AIM Act and its original implementing regulations created an efficient and cost-effective structure for the phase down of HFC refrigerants. Our members made considerable investments in research and development, equipment production, and training to ensure a rational, efficient, economical transition that created market certainty for years to come.”