Trump Administration Reverses HFC Phaseout Rule, Raising Environmental Concerns

Fri Nov 07 2025 22:09:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration proposes to loosen regulations on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases used in air conditioning and refrigeration, stirring backlash from environmentalists and industries alike.

The Trump administration is reversing a federal rule aimed at phasing out harmful hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which were phased out under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act in 2020. The proposal, set forth by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, is part of a broader strategy to roll back climate-friendly regulations, despite concerns from environmental groups that it will exacerbate climate pollution and hinder progress toward reducing greenhouse gases. Industry players, who had already adjusted to the original timeline, express worries that the change may disrupt planning and competitiveness.

WASHINGTON (RTW) — As Donald Trump approaches the end of his first term, his administration has initiated a dramatic policy reversal on the regulation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning.

This rollback aims to loosen existing federal regulations that were established to mitigate climate change by phasing out these hazardous pollutants. The previous bipartisan legislation, the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act signed into law in 2020, had garnered support from both environmentalists and industry groups regarding the urgent need to reduce HFC emissions, which are thousands of times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat.

The new Environmental Protection Agency's proposal indicates a shift in priorities for the Trump administration, with Administrator Lee Zeldin stating that the changes could help restore American refrigerants' affordability, safety, and reliability.

However, environmental advocates are raising alarms, suggesting that this proposal will intensify climate pollution and disrupt the ongoing transition to less harmful alternatives initiated by the earlier legislation. With some experts predicting adverse consequences, the scaling back of HFC regulations is worrisome to those invested in climate stability.

Zeldin further emphasized that the changes respond to feedback from the refrigeration industry, which had expressed difficulties under the existing regulations, claiming they contributed to shortages and escalated costs.

Nevertheless, the change has sparked confusion and concerns among industry stakeholders who had already adapted their operations to align with the initial proposed timeline set by the 2020 law. Critics argue that this shift may lead to increased consumer prices and ultimately contradict efforts towards environmental sustainability.

As discussions progress, entities such as The Food Industry Association have applauded the administration's plans as pragmatically beneficial while climate experts warn this rollback could lead to greater long-term environmental damage.