EPA Extends Timeline for Phasing Out High-GWP Refrigerants

The change delays the schedule by several years for most equipment categories. Current EPA rules, issued under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020, require a gradual shift to lower-GWP refrigerants.

U.S. chemical, refrigeration, and air-conditioning manufacturers said the extension will increase costs. John Hurst, executive director of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, stated the change disrupts an orderly transition already underway.

Stephen Yurek, president and chief executive of the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute, said the rule works against basic supply and demand. Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International estimated the refrigeration industry could face nearly $8 billion in additional refrigerant costs.

An EPA assessment concluded cumulative HFC emissions will rise by 68 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent by 2050 compared with the prior schedule. The agency estimated the two rule changes would save Americans more than $2.4 billion over 25 years but did not quantify potential cost increases from tighter HFC supply.

A second proposed change would exempt transport companies from repairing HFC leaks in truck refrigeration equipment. Avipsa Mahapatra, climate campaign director for the Environmental Investigation Agency US, said the exemption weakens a practical tool for reducing emissions.