New York Appellate Court Halts Refrigerant Ban
COURT INJUNCTION: A new injunction prevents the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) from enforcing a ban on two refrigerants used in the refrigeration systems of thousands of businesses across the state until the court determines if the broader regulation should be overturned.
ALBANY, N.Y. — A new injunction prevents the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) from enforcing a ban on two refrigerants, R-404A and R-507, used in the refrigeration systems of thousands of businesses across the state.
The injunction issued by the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Department, will remain in effect until the court determines if the broader regulation should be overturned. The decision comes as New Yorkers express concern in a new survey about the affordability and operational impacts associated with the state’s refrigeration regulations, according to a press release from Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI).
According to the survey, 71% of responding homeowners believe refrigerant regulations will increase costs for grocery stores and food retailers. Additionally, 87% said they would be concerned about higher food prices if refrigerant shortages or service delays disrupted grocery store operations.
The survey also found broad support for reconsidering regulations if they create affordability or supply chain concerns. Some 82% of respondents said regulations should be adjusted or delayed if they risk increasing food costs or causing supply disruptions, 65% believe refrigeration regulations could make repairs harder or contribute to store closures, and 86% said reliable access to refrigerants for equipment repair and maintenance is important for grocery stores and food suppliers.
“These survey results confirm that consumers are worried about policies that disrupt refrigeration access and their consequences on grocery expenses,” said Alex Ayers, HARDI’s vice president of government affairs. “The court’s decision is a crucial opportunity for policymakers to fully evaluate the economic and operational impacts of these regulations on families and the broader food supply chain."
The survey further found that New Yorkers strongly favor balancing climate policy with affordability concerns, HARDI said. Eighty percent of respondents said the state should slow down or adjust regulations if they increase costs for homeowners, grocery stores, or everyday goods like food.
Despite the broad implications of Part 494, public awareness of the regulation remains limited. Seventy-one percent of respondents said they had not heard of Part 494 before taking the survey.
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The survey of 500 homeowners in the state who are U.S. citizens was conducted by YouGov between April 23 and May 4. The margin of error is plus or minus 5.4%.
HARDI said it continues to push for legislative solutions to the problems posed by Part 494 in order to prevent further economic harm to consumers and businesses.
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