Advocacy
This Month in DC Overview: February 2026
February 26, 2026 | 4 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 government affairs issues are:
2026 Congressional Fly-In: April 20–21
The 2026 Congressional Fly-In will take place April 20–21 in Washington, D.C., giving members the opportunity to meet directly with their elected officials and discuss the issues shaping the industry. We won't leave members hanging, we will brief attendees on the issues, provide talking points, and even set up the meetings with congressional offices. You just show up and tell your story.
House Advances EPCA Reform
The House passed the “Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act,” a significant EPCA reform bill that includes a long-sought fix to the installation date requirement tied to regional standards. This has been a priority issue for HARDI for years.
Attention now turns to the Senate. Maintaining momentum will be critical, and fly-in attendees will urge Senators to include the same installation date fix in their EPCA reform efforts. HARDI will coordinate meetings and provide briefings and talking points to ensure productive conversations with lawmakers and staff.
Federal Updates: Tariffs and DOE Rules
New 10% Tariff
President Trump announced a new 10% tariff to replace tariffs previously struck down by the Supreme Court.
Section 232 and 301 tariffs remain in effect.
USMCA-compliant goods are exempt from the new Section 122 tariffs.
HARDI is working with its Market Intelligence team to assess the potential impact on the industry.
Supreme Court Amicus Brief
HARDI, alongside PHCC and the Natural Gas Association of Georgia, filed an amicus brief urging Supreme Court review of the American Gas Association’s case against DOE regarding:
The 95% gas furnace rule
The commercial water heater rule
These rules shift the market from non-condensing to condensing technology, creating major retrofit challenges for existing buildings. HARDI continues advocating for workable solutions.
EPA Install Date Rule
The EPA rule eliminating the install date requirement for residential and light commercial AC and heat pumps has not yet been released. Current expectations point to a summer timeline, so keep an eye out for updates from us.
Growing State-Level Activity
Refrigerant Reporting
Companies operating in New York and Washington state must comply with refrigerant sales reporting requirements tied to state HFC policies, with deadlines approaching at the end of March.
Oregon Code Change
Oregon enacted a new code requiring heat pumps in place of traditional air conditioners. While not a gas furnace ban, the rule prioritizes heat pumps as the primary heating source, with optional gas backup.
California Remains Active
CEC Equipment Tracking Proposal
The California Energy Commission is advancing a proposal to create a serial number tracking system (sales registry) for all HVACR and water heating equipment sold in the state.
While positioned as a solution to permitting issues, the proposal would track every piece of equipment through every transaction without addressing the underlying permitting challenges. HARDI strongly opposes the approach and thanks members who helped mobilize contractor opposition.
CARB Zero-Emission Regulation
The California Air Resources Board continues developing its zero-emission space and water heating regulation. Though it has shifted from an outright gas appliance ban to a sales-tracking and market-share model, serious concerns remain about compliance burdens and market distortion.
HARDI remains engaged in opposing problematic provisions while working toward practical solutions.
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
Join HARDI in Washington DC!
Members, mark your calendars for this year's Congressional Fly-In on April 20–21 in Washington, DC. This is your chance to get face-to-face with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and advocate for policies that strengthen 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 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
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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