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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Alex Ayers
Vice President of Government Affairs
Alex is HARDI’s lead lobbyist and regulatory expert, with over a decade of experience in Washington, DC. A former Iowa caucus delegate, he built early roots in grassroots politics. He has lobbied, published, and testified on taxes, energy, environment, agriculture, and economics. His work has been cited by the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Tax Foundation.
Todd Titus
Director of State Government Affairs
Todd Titus, J.D. is HARDI's Director of State Government 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
Public Affairs Associate
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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