Advocacy
This Month in DC Overview: January 2026
January 29, 2026 | 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:
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. HARDI won't leave members hanging, we will provide talking points and help connect attendees with congressional offices.
Install Dates Remain a Top Priority
Install dates are expected to be one of the biggest topics on the Fly-In agenda. EPA recently announced a shift in enforcement priority related to the install date prohibition for residential and light commercial air conditioners and heat pumps (R-410A equipment), following an enforcement statement released December 23. HARDI members can read our blog post explaining the change.
EPCA Reform and Regional Standards
Install dates tied to regional standards remain a serious concern. HARDI continues advocating for EPCA reform to eliminate these requirements. Legislation has advanced out of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and is likely headed for a House vote this year, with early discussions beginning in the Senate.
State Policy Watch: California, Colorado, and New York
HARDI has several state-level developments, including California’s evolving CARB zero-emission building standard, new actions by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, Colorado’s continued push for electrification, and New York’s approval of a variance process. We encourage members to review the full details in our This Month in DC Newsletter.
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.
You might be interested in...
Advocacy
HARDI Submits Comments on CARB Space and Water Heater December 2025 Workshop
Advocacy
SCAQMD Extends the Non-Compliance Mitigation Fee Option for ULN Furnaces in Mobile Homes
Advocacy
