Advocacy
This Month in DC Overview: December 2025
December 18, 2025 | 2 minute read
This Month in DC Overview
Alex Ayers gives us an overview of the most important things going on in DC this month. Highlights of this month's This Month in DC Newsletter:
R-410A Installation Date: What’s Next
One of the top priorities for HARDI's Advocacy team remains the EPA’s R-410A installation date. The public comment period has closed, and EPA is now reviewing feedback submitted, thanks in large part to strong participation from HARDI members. However, a final EPA decision is not expected until the second or third quarter of 2026.
This timeline creates a significant enforcement gap between the end of this year and any potential rule changes. To address this, HARDI has formally requested enforcement discretion, asking the EPA to confirm it will not enforce the installation deadline during this interim period. Updates on this request are expected in the coming weeks.
Congressional Action: EPCA Reform
HARDI is also closely engaged with Congress on reforming the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), which governs how the Department of Energy sets energy efficiency standards. Current law requires installation dates for certain regional standards, particularly for split-system air conditioners.
Proposed legislation, the Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act, would repeal this installation date requirement, offering much-needed clarity and flexibility for the industry.
Members, mark your calendars for next year’s Congressional Fly-In on April 20–21 in Washington, DC.
Explore HARDI's Industry Issues and State Issues pages and stay up to date on the latest issues affecting the HVACR industry.
Read more on what's affecting our industry here: HARDI's Advocacy Blogs
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This overview video is just the tip of the HARDI Government Affairs iceberg! Ensure you stay informed on the latest Government Affairs and Advocacy updates by subscribing yourself or your company's key contact for these issues. Get the Federal and State issues information that is impacting the HVACR industry.
Alex Ayers
Alex Ayers is the Vice President of Government Affairs for Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International. As a recovering political nerd and current policy wonk, Alex is HARDI’s primary lobbyist and regulatory expert. Growing up in Iowa, Alex was exposed early to local politics through the first in the nation Iowa Caucuses, participating as a county caucus delegate to develop the grassroots planks that go into creating the party platform. Since moving to Washington, DC, Alex has spent over a decade lobbying, publishing papers, and testifying in various policy areas, including taxes, energy, environment, agriculture, and economics. His research has been cited by organizations such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Tax Foundation.
Expertise: HVACR Policy, Government Affairs, and Political Advocacy
Please contact events@hardinet.org to book Alex as a speaker at your next conference or event. Press Contacts - to request a quote or an interview, complete this form.
Todd Titus
Todd Titus, J.D. is HARDI's Director of State and Public Affairs. As the lead of HARDI's new state affairs department, Todd monitors legislative and regulatory issues across all 50 states to inform HARDI membership about the legislation that impacts the industry. Along with informing membership of key issues, Todd also spearheads grassroots initiatives, advocates before elected officials, and networks in person with relevant stakeholders.
Madison Romero
Madison Romero is HARDI’s Public Affairs Associate, supporting the industry advocacy of the Government Affairs team through strategic writing, grassroots campaigns, and media outreach. She crafts messaging that connects HARDI’s advocacy goals with its members as well as broader HVACR industry audiences. Madison also contributes to developing content around industry events and external communications efforts across platforms.
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