Letter to Gov. Hochul Re: HFC Draft Regulation

Dear Governor Hochul, 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is currently reviewing draft regulations that include prohibitions on new products and equipment that contain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), beginning January 1, 2025. 

These regulations, as currently written, would have devastating impacts on the retail food industry, including grocers, convenience stores and neighborhood bodegas, many of which are located in food deserts, up to the largest supermarkets doing business in New York State. 

The cost of retrofitting stores to meet these new standards is in the millions of dollars. Further consideration should be given to supply chain challenges that currently limit the availability of equipment and refrigerants to meet the proposed standards, and beyond that, the availability of trained contractors and technicians. 

In addition, we should recognize the energy-efficient investments these businesses have made and continue to make to their operations in support of shared environmental goals.

We ask that New York State pause its imminent effective date for this new standard and instead consider adopting the federal regulations around HFCs which allow for a more reasonable timeline for implementation. Doing so will protect local businesses and jobs and access to food in New York’s communities, while also taking realistic steps to protect the environment.