This Month in DC Overview: October 2026

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:

HARDI Launches Non-Compliant Equipment Tipline

While Washington, D.C., remains relatively quiet ahead of the election, HARDI Government Affairs continues advancing key advocacy priorities at the federal and state levels.

One major development is the launch of HARDI’s Non-Compliant Equipment Tipline, designed to help identify HVAC equipment entering the market that may not meet Department of Energy (DOE) energy-efficiency requirements.

With concerns growing around R-410A service-only equipment, HARDI encourages distributors to verify products through the AHRI Directory, DOE’s CCMS database, and UL or ETL certification lookups. Members can report potentially non-compliant equipment through the tipline for further investigation.

California Pushes Equipment Tracking and Permitting Changes

The California Energy Commission continues pursuing a proposal that would require distributors to report equipment sales information for permit compliance purposes.

HARDI and distributor members recently met with the Commission to oppose requirements that could expose confidential business information without addressing underlying permitting challenges.

California also passed legislation streamlining permitting for heat pumps. While a positive step, HARDI continues advocating for broader reforms that include traditional air conditioners and furnaces.

Washington Refrigerant Policies Raise Concerns

Washington's Refrigerant Working Group is evaluating the feasibility of transitioning to low- and ultra-low-GWP refrigerants by 2035.

HARDI is participating alongside industry partners, emphasizing the importance of avoiding a forced second refrigerant transition, particularly for HVAC equipment.

Meanwhile, Washington's State Building Code Council is considering provisions allowing limited use of A3 refrigerants in outdoor monoblock systems and research applications, despite industry opposition.

Federal and State Regulatory Updates

Several additional developments could impact HVACR distributors:

• South Carolina and Illinois: Both states are adopting hazardous waste regulatory amendments addressing flammable refrigerants, including A2Ls, to align with federal exemptions.

• DOE: The department withdrew its proposed commercial warm-air furnace test procedure, avoiding additional testing requirements that industry stakeholders considered unnecessary.

• FTC and State Pricing Policies: HARDI is monitoring personalized pricing proposals to ensure regulations targeting consumer surveillance pricing do not unintentionally restrict standard distributor pricing agreements and customer relationships.

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

Stay Informed with HARDI Advocacy

With federal rules advancing, codes shifting, and states introducing new complexities, staying informed is critical. HARDI continues to advocate for practical, member-focused solutions across all levels of government.