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
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.
Areas of Expertise
  • HVACR Policy
  • Government Affairs
  • Political Policy
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.
Areas of Expertise
  • State Policy Tracking and Analysis
  • Public Policy & Regulatory Business Risk Analysis
  • Stakeholder & Membership Grassroots
  • Legislative Strategy & Policy Outcomes
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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