Clean Air Act (CAA)

HVAC Industry Fired Up Over Fossil Fuels

Groups seeking to phase out gas and oil appliances get some pushback

November 10, 2022

HVAC industry representatives are pushing back on a bid by more than two dozen public interest groups for an eventual ban on new fossil-fuel-burning heating appliances.

R-22 Refrigerant Smuggler Nabbed In Florida

EPA estimates the illegally imported R-22 from China was worth $1.5 million

August 2, 2022

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A 69-year-old Florida man pled guilty to conspiring to violate the CAA by importing over 300,000 kilograms of illegal R-22, worth over $1.5 million, into the U.S. from China.

Check on EPA Seen as Plus for HVAC Industry

SCOTUS decision sets tone for other federal regulatory agencies

Matt Jachman

July 20, 2022

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HVACR trade groups are welcoming a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that limits the power of federal agencies to set regulations without explicit direction from Congress.

The EPA’s Call for Comments Stirs Up the HVACR Industry

Government authority questioned on Section 608

Angela D. Harris

November 26, 2018

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The primary question being asked in the proposed rule, Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Revisions to the Refrigerant Management Program’s Extension to Substitutes, is whether or not the EPA has the authority to regulate anything beyond ozone-depleting substances (ODS).

States Sue Over HFC Rollback

August 1, 2018

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The coalition charges that EPA violated the federal Clean Air Act when it effectively rescinded regulations prohibiting the use of HFCs through guidance, rather than a public rulemaking process.

Trader Joe’s Settles Refrigerant Allegations

U.S. alleged Trader Joe’s had violated Title VI of the Clean Air Act (CAA)

October 3, 2016

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The U.S. had alleged that Trader Joe’s failed to properly perform leak repair and recordkeeping required under Title VI of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the refrigeration equipment in its grocery stores.

Seafood Companies to Pay Nearly $500,000 in Penalties Due to Refrigerant Releases

Settlement announced by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice

March 10, 2016

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Two seafood processing and cold storage companies, Ocean Gold Seafoods Inc. and Ocean Cold LLC, have agreed to cut R-22 refrigerant releases from leaking refrigeration equipment at their facilities in Westport, Washington, and pay $495,000 in penalties for environmental violations.

US Finalizes Settlement with Millard Refrigerated Services over Ammonia Release

Millard will pay a $3 million penalty

June 16, 2015

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced a final settlement with Millard Refrigerated Services that resolves alleged violations related to an airborne release of ammonia from Millard’s Theodore, Alabama, facility in 2010.

Costco Fined for R-22 Venting

Company to Pay $335,000 and Invest $2 million in Refrigerant Management

October 27, 2014

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In a settlement announced Sept. 3 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice, Costco will pay $335,000 in penalties for federal Clean Air Act violations and improve refrigerant management at 274 stores at an estimated cost of $2 million over the next three years.

Sept. 5, 2014: EPA and DOJ Announce Settlement with Costco to Cut Refrigerant Emissions

Government Says Costco Failed to Repair Leaks of R-22 Refrigerant Between 2004 and 2007

September 5, 2014

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) have announced a settlement with Costco Wholesale Corp. in which the company agrees to pay $335,000 in penalties for federal Clean Air Act violations and improve refrigerant management at 274 stores.