Press Release
AHRI, HARDI File Appeal in New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Case
January 29, 2026 | 3 minute read
Originally shared by AHRI on January 20, 2026.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Madison Romero, Public Affairs Associate
Email: mromero@hardinet.org
Direct: 614.345.4328
AHRI, HARDI File Appeal in New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Case
Arlington, Va. — AHRI and Heating Air-Conditioning Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) filed a Notice of Appeal with the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Judicial Department from the December 22, 2025 court decision handed down in In the Matter of HARDI and AHRI v. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), which upheld broad restrictions on the refrigerants that can be used in air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigeration equipment, and water heaters.
AHRI and HARDI are requesting that the lower court’s decision be reversed, stating that New York State did not follow proper administrative procedure when enacting the sweeping bans and restrictions found in the amended Part 494 on Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Standards and Reporting Regulations. AHRI and HARDI continue to argue for full annulment of the regulations due to concerns regarding enforcement, cost, and the availability of compliant refrigerant.
“AHRI opposes this ruling, which, if left in place, would greatly burden both consumers and manufacturers,” said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. “At a time when affordability and accessibility should be top of mind, the court’s decision does not adequately address our concerns with the current market, the growing compliance demands on businesses, or the feasibility of implementing these regulations.”
“Part 494 sets mandates the market cannot meet,” said Talbot Gee, CEO of HARDI. “There are no products and safety standards for the refrigerant alternatives New York is requiring, making compliance unrealistic. HARDI and AHRI will appeal this decision and continue advocating for a safe and workable approach.”
In the filing, AHRI and HARDI seek court review as to whether New York State violated the State Administrative Procedures Act when enacting the regulations. The appeal also calls for a review of whether the state took important market factors and evidence into account, specifically referencing provisions that call for a ban of bulk regulated substances, a ban on regulated substances with a global warming potential greater than 10, or 20 in some cases, and the further regulation of residential HVAC equipment.
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About AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, commercial refrigeration, and water heating equipment. An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRI’s 300+ member companies manufacture quality, efficient, and innovative residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment and components for sale in North America and around the world.
About HARDI
HARDI (Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International) is the single voice of wholesale distribution within the North American and Latin American HVACR markets.
A non-profit association, HARDI serves its members through government affairs and advocacy efforts, market intelligence and benchmarking, training programs, and world-class events. HARDI proudly represents more than 570 distributor members and their 5,000+ branch locations, and close to 600 suppliers, manufacturer representatives, and service vendors. HARDI Distributor members serve installation and service/replacement contractors in residential and commercial markets, as well as commercial/industrial and institutional maintenance staff. HARDI Affiliate members market, distribute, and support heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment, parts, and supplies.
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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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