Standards and Legislation - Articles - Page 2

DOL Issues Proposed Rule for Independent Contractor Classification

Proposed rule calls for two-factor “economic reality” test

April 1, 2026

The Department of Labor seeks to rescind a 2024 final rule addressing the classification of independent contractors and replace it with a rule like the one adopted in 2021.

HVAC Trends: Tariffs, Incentives, Standards and Regulations — Oh My!

How a shifting HVAC landscape has redefined approach

Hannah Belloli-Oster

March 28, 2026

Dennis Stinson, senior vice president of sales at Fujitsu General HVAC solutions of America, discusses how import tariffs and global supply shifts still influence product sourcing and competitive dynamics in the HVACR market today.

White House AI Framework Could Boost HVAC Demand as Data Center Growth Accelerates

Policy recommendations call for solutions to surging utility costs

Chris Gray

March 24, 2026

The White House issued policy recommendations to Congress on artificial intelligence, including suggestions that could support the HVAC industry’s role in data centers.

HARDI Warns of Refrigerant Supply Disruptions in New York

On April 1, the state will prohibit the sale of certain virgin refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration

Joanna R. Turpin

March 23, 2026

New York’s refrigerant rules may cause supply shortages, raising costs for consumers and businesses, as industry groups push for regulatory alignment with federal standards to avoid disruptions.

Department of Energy to Take Over Energy Star from EPA

Transfer could cause short-term delays and funding questions

Chris Gray

March 18, 2026

DOE is taking over the ENERGY STAR program, a move that could change how efficiency tiers align with federal standards and how quickly HVAC equipment certifications are updated.

From HVAC Contractor to Senator to Secretary of Homeland Security

An HVAC Minute Video Update: March 17, 2026

Chris Gray

March 17, 2026

An HVAC contractor turned U.S. senator could soon be heading the Department of Homeland Security.

Supreme Court Petition Challenges EPA Authority Under AIM Act

Civil liberties group argues EPA was given unconstitutional authority over HFC allowance allocations

Dylan Kurt

March 17, 2026

A petition filed on behalf of Choice Refrigerants asks the Supreme Court to reconsider a D.C. Circuit ruling that upheld the EPA’s implementation of the HFC phasedown program.

HVACR’s State Political Landscape

HARDI, which tracked industry-relevant state issues in 2025, urges grassroots involvement

Matt Jachman

March 13, 2026

HARDI’s director of state government affairs outlined a few key political issues distributors face, including PFAS and refrigerant restrictions and limits on energy choice.