Grocers in New York State are calling for a pause to a new HFC standard. The concern: it could have devastating impacts on the retail food industry. On January 1, 2025, the regulations which include prohibiting new products and equipment containing HFCs begins. New York State adopted a Climate Act in 2019, and the said HFC regulations are being considered to meet the requirements necessary through the Climate Act. Senator Pam Helming and grocery store owners recently held a press conference in order to call on New York State to pause its effective date for new HFC refrigerant standards, in hopes to allow for a more reasonable timeline. “While we take steps to protect the environment, we also need to protect our small businesses, local jobs, and access to food in our communities,” said Senator Helming. “The grocers and convenience store operators I’ve spoken with are reasonable – no one is asking for this regulation to be stopped. They are simply asking for it to be consistent with the federal government standards and implemented under a more realistic timeframe. We should be helping businesses grow, not threatening their viability or the livelihoods of the people they employ and the people and communities they serve.”

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