Trump, EPA’s Lee Zeldin announce relaxation of refrigerant rules set by Biden administration

Donald Trump and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced on Thursday they would relax the Biden administration’s ‘Technology Transitions Rule,’ which restricted high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in cooling equipment. The move aims to provide financial relief, saving American families and businesses over $2.4 billion annually, according to Trump’s claims during a White House press conference. The original rule, implemented in October 2023, required replacing equipment emitting high-GWP HFCs by January 1, 2025, later extended to January 1, 2026. Trump argued the restrictions would force businesses to shut down and raise living costs by mandating expensive replacements for air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Zeldin criticized the Biden administration’s approach as a ‘rushed, frantic, reckless sprint’ that ignored operational realities. Grocery store owners expressed relief, noting the rule would have forced costly upgrades. Michael Gay, owner of Food Fresh in Georgia, said replacing brand-new refrigerators with 20 years of life left would have been ‘unbelievably cost prohibitive.’ Kevin McDaniel of Piggly Wiggly estimated replacement costs between $800,000 and $1.5 million, warning of higher food prices for consumers. Kroger CEO Greg Foran supported extending equipment lifespans to reduce costs and lower prices for shoppers. The deregulation exempts companies and families from replacing cooling equipment, potentially easing financial burdens. While supporters praised the decision for balancing affordability and environmental goals, critics may question the long-term climate impact of delaying HFC phase-outs. The EPA did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the environmental trade-offs.