Press Release
New York Appellate Court Halts Refrigerant Ban Amid Public Concern Over Food Supply Impacts
May 7, 2026 | 3 minute read
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Madison Romero, Public Affairs Associate
Email: mromero@hardinet.org
Direct: 614.345.4328
New York Appellate Court Halts Refrigerant Ban Amid Public Concern Over Food Supply Impacts
Albany, NY— May 7, 2026 — The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Department, has granted an injunction that prevents the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) from enforcing a ban on two refrigerants utilized in the commercial refrigeration systems of thousands of businesses across the state. The injunction will remain in effect until the court determines if the broader regulation should be overturned. The decision comes as New Yorkers express growing concern about the affordability and operational impacts associated with the state’s refrigeration regulations.
Prior to the injunction ruling, a new statewide survey commissioned by the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) found strong public concern that the regulations could increase grocery prices, disrupt refrigeration repairs, and strain food supply operations throughout the state.
According to the survey, 71% of New York homeowners believe refrigerant regulations will increase costs for grocery stores and food retailers. Additionally, 87% said they would be concerned about higher food prices if refrigerant shortages or service delays disrupted grocery store operations.
The survey also found broad support for reconsidering regulations if they create affordability or supply chain concerns:
82% said regulations should be adjusted or delayed if they risk increasing food costs or causing supply disruptions.
65% believe refrigeration regulations could make repairs harder or contribute to store closures.
86% said reliable access to refrigerants for equipment repair and maintenance is important for grocery stores and food suppliers.
“These survey results confirm that consumers are worried about policies that disrupt refrigeration access and their consequences on grocery expenses,” said Alex Ayers, HARDI’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “The court’s decision is a crucial opportunity for policymakers to fully evaluate the economic and operational impacts of these regulations on families and the broader food supply chain.”
The survey further found that New Yorkers strongly favor balancing climate policy with affordability concerns. Eighty percent of respondents said the state should slow down or adjust regulations if they increase costs for homeowners, grocery stores, or everyday goods like food.
Despite the broad implications of Part 494, public awareness of the regulation remains limited. Seventy-one percent of respondents said they had not heard of Part 494 before taking the survey.
HARDI continues to urge the New York State Legislature to remedy the issues with Part 494 and prevent further economic harm to consumers and businesses.
The survey of 500 New York State homeowners who are U.S. citizens was conducted by YouGov between April 23 and May 4, 2026. The margin of error is ±5.4%.
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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
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.
