Advocacy
This Month in DC Overview: September 2025
September 25, 2025 | 3 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:
Anticipated EPA Proposal on Technology Transition Rule
We’re expecting the EPA to release a proposal package later this month or early next month on the reconsideration of the Technology Transition Rule. This follows the petition for reconsideration submitted in December 2023 by HARDI, AHRI, and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy.
The proposal will be critical in shaping how the refrigerant transition unfolds—particularly regarding:
Avoiding a rollback to R-410A equipment production.
Providing clarity on the refrigeration transition set for next year.
Once released, we’ll provide members with a full analysis and opportunities to submit comments through our new grassroots advocacy tools.
Top Five FAQs on the HFC Phasedown
EPA recently addressed common distributor questions about the HFC phasedown. Key topics include:
Equipment handling after the January 1, 2026 install ban.
Liability for illegal installations.
Recordkeeping requirements.
These FAQs are vital for compliance planning—check out our full blog post dedicated to this topic.
Warehouse Worker Protection Act Concerns
Although aimed at large online retailers, the proposed Warehouse Worker Protection Act would impose unnecessary and burdensome paperwork requirements on distributors without improving worker safety. HARDI continues to oppose this government overreach. Read more about it in our blog post.
Enforcement and Legal Updates
R-22 Smuggling Case: A Texas individual was placed on probation for illegally importing R-22 cylinders from Mexico. This highlights ongoing enforcement risks around refrigerant smuggling.
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
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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.
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