Arlington, Virginia, USA, 18 February 2018: The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) has announced its strong support of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2018, introduced  on February 15, by Senators John Kennedy, Tom Carper  and Chris Coons. AHRI, in its role as the trade association representing producers and users of refrigerants, said it has a keen interest in ensuring that the coming global phase-down of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants is accomplished in a smooth and orderly manner with as little impact on manufacturers and consumers as possible. The Bill will help accomplish that goal by establishing a pathway for the United States’ implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol that establishes a framework for the global phase-down, AHRI said.

According to AHRI, the Bill would:

• Clarify the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in regulating HFC refrigerants and provide a market-friendly approach to rulemaking, which would help facilitate a cost-effective transition to alternative refrigerants while maintaining or enhancing the performance of the equipment that uses the new refrigerants.
• Enable the EPA to establish an HFC phase-down mechanism using a cap-and-allocation system that encourages innovation and the commercialisation of alternative refrigerants, preserving American technology leadership.
• Provide the predictability needed for American private-sector investment in HFC replacements.

Stephen Yurek, President and CEO, AHRI, said, “We applaud the introduction of this bill and thank these Senators for their leadership. Enhancing US technological leadership and supporting US industry and the jobs it creates and sustains are key components of our support for the Kigali Amendment, and this bill will create a certain pathway for implementation of Kigali if, as we hope, it is submitted to and ratified by the Senate.”