The American Public Gas Association is opposing HARDI’s request to continue the lawsuit over regional HVAC standards.

The association has filed a motion asking the court to deny the Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International’s request to present information on why it should be allowed to replace the APGA in the lawsuit that the federal government agreed to settle in January.

The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, which represents HVAC manufacturers, also oppose HARDI’s motion.

Officials with Cause of Action disagree. The group, which is handling the motion on HARDI’s behalf, said that because the agreement with the U.S. Energy Department did not address the regulations for central air conditioners and heat pumps that are to go into effect in two years, HARDI’s concerns should be addressed. It filed a new motion with the court Tuesday. 

“We hope the court honors the merits that HARDI brings to this case so that they can continue to fight against the abuse of discretion by the Department of Energy that is affecting thousands of Americans,” said Dan Epstein, Cause of Action’s executive director.

Jon Melchi, HARDI’s government affairs director, said his group has no intention of backing down.

“HARDI continues to believe the facts of this case are on its side and will take every opportunity possible to communicate those facts,” Melchi said. “HARDI, with the support of the membership, will continue to fight this case of government overreach which we believe harms the HVAC industry.”