Advocacy
This Month in DC Overview: October 2025
October 29, 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:
Despite an ongoing government shutdown, Washington, D.C. remains busy, and our Government Affairs team is keeping members informed and engaged.
EPA Proposes Reconsideration of Technology Transition Rule
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed reconsidering its Technology Transition Rule, focusing on repealing the install date requirement for residential and light commercial air conditioners. HARDI supports this move and urges members to act. Submit your comment letters to both the EPA and Congress through this link, which advocates for a shift to manufacture-date-based compliance instead of install or sell-through dates.
Launch of HARDI’s New Grassroots Advocacy Center
To make it easier for members to participate in our advocacy efforts, we launched a Grassroots Advocacy Center. This new tool connects members directly with elected officials, enables them to take action on federal and state issues quickly, and helps them stay informed as new campaigns are added.
State Issues: Legal and Legislative Updates
Oral arguments are underway in HARDI and AHRI’s lawsuit against the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regarding its HFC rule.
Information on California, Florida, New York, and Washington's independent policies regarding Outdoor Condensing Units (ODU).
Distributors in Colorado should prepare their inventory to be ultra-low NOx or Energy Star compliant starting next year.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in California targeting plastics and packaging is advancing. While primarily impacting suppliers, distributors, particularly importers, should monitor these developments closely.
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
Are You Your Company's Government Affairs Insider?
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.
You might be interested in...
