Regulatory Actions for Technology Transitions

June 2024 – Technology Transitions Proposed Restrictions on the Use of Certain HFCs in the Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Variable Refrigerant Flow Systems Subsector

This proposed rule would narrowly amend a provision of the Technology Transitions regulation published on October 24, 2023 (88 FR 73098). It proposes to allow one additional year, until January 1, 2027, solely for the installation of new Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) systems using HFCs with a global warming potential of 700 or more, and where the components were manufactured in the U.S. or imported into the U.S. prior to January 1, 2026.  

VRF proposed rule materials (June 2024)

• Federal Register Link to Notification of Comment Period Extension
  • The EPA reopened the comment period for this rule specifically to provide an opportunity to request a public hearing on this rulemaking if one was desired. A public hearing was requested, and the EPA held a virtual public hearing on August 27, 2024. The comment period will remain open until September 26, 2024. To comment on the proposed rule, please follow the directions listed in the ADDRESSES section of the proposed rule.
  • Please note, the Federal Register notification published on August 12, 2024, contained a typographical error that stated the public hearing would be on an earlier date and omitted the date by which a hearing must be requested. A corrected Federal Register notice was issued on August 14, 2024 (link to correction).
• Federal Register Link to the Proposed Rule

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
• 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.