Regulatory Actions for Technology Transitions

December 2024 - Technology Transitions Restrictions on the Use of HFCs in the Variable Refrigerant Flow Air Conditioning Subsector

This final rule is in response to the concern raised by stakeholders that the January 1, 2026, installation date for new lower-GWP HFC variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems may strand equipment. This rule allows for higher-GWP HFC equipment manufactured or imported prior to January 1, 2026, to be installed until January 1, 2027. The final rule also allows until January 1, 2028, for the installation of such VRF equipment that are intended for construction projects that were issued an approved building permit prior to October 5, 2023. 

Final rule materials (December 2024)

• Federal Register Link to the Final Rule
• Frequent Questions

Proposed rule materials (June 2024)

• Federal Register Link to the Proposed VRF Rule 
• Federal Register Link to the Notification of Comment Period Extension (August 2024)
• The EPA reopened the comment period for this rule specifically to provide an opportunity to request a public hearing on this rulemaking. The EPA held a public hearing on August 27, 2024. A transcript of the hearing can be found in the docket for this rulemaking.

December 2023 - Technology Transitions Restrictions on the Use of Certain HFCs in the Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Subsector

This interim final rule narrowly amends a provision of the Technology Transitions regulations published on October 24, 2023 (88 FR 73098). This rule addresses the concern raised by stakeholders that the January 1, 2025, compliance date for installing lower-GWP HFC residential air conditioning and heat pump systems may strand inventory of  equipment, particularly equipment that was intended for new residential construction. This rule allows for inventory of higher-GWP HFC equipment manufactured or imported before January 1, 2025, to be installed until January 1, 2026.

This rulemaking also clarifies that residential ice makers are not included in the household refrigerator and freezer subsector and are not subject to the restrictions for that subsector.

EPA finds there is good cause for this rule to take effect without prior notice and comment. Unlike a direct final rule, EPA will not withdraw this interim final rule if it receives adverse comment; all comments will be addressed in a subsequent final rule.

Interim final rule materials (December 2023)

• Federal Register Link to the Technology Transitions Interim Final Rule
• Frequent Questions

October 2023 - Technology Transitions Restrictions on the Use of Certain HFCs under Subsection (i) of the AIM Act

This final rule restricts the use of HFCs in specific sectors or subsectors, establishes a process for submitting technology transitions petitions, establishes recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and addresses certain other elements related to the effective implementation of the AIM Act. These restrictions address petitions granted on October 7, 2021, and September 19, 2022.

Restrictions apply to the use of certain high global warming potential (GWP) HFCs in aerosols, foams, and refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump products and equipment. Beginning January 1, 2025, certain technologies will need to restrict use of higher-GWP HFCs or HFC blends. Prohibitions apply to the manufacture, distribution, sale, installation, import, and export of products containing restricted HFCs. Compliance deadlines and GWP limits vary based on sector and subsector.

Final rule materials (October 2023)

• Technology Transitions Final Rule 
• Final Rule Fact Sheet (pdf) (946 KB)
• Media Release
• Frequent Questions
• HFC Restrictions by Sector
• Regulatory Impact Assessment (pdf) (4 MB)

Proposed rule materials (December 2022)

• Federal Register Link to the Proposed Technology Transitions Rule
• Media Release

EPA received requests to reconsider specific provisions of the final Technology Transitions Rule. To view these petitions and EPA response, please visit the page on petitions for reconsideration.

Notices of Data Availability

NODAs alert stakeholders of new information related to subsection (i) of the AIM Act of 2020.

Notices of Determination

Notices of Determination alert the public of the Agency’s decision and consideration of negotiated rulemaking to grant, partially grant, or deny petitions under subsection (i) of the AIM Act of 2020.