The amendment is a bipartisan compromise based on the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (S. 2754), a bipartisan bill introduced last year by Sens. Kennedy and Carper that would boost American manufacturing of next-generation refrigerant technologies, promote American innovation, and create tens of thousands of new domestic manufacturing jobs.

Through the activities outlined in the agreement, Refrigerants Australia and AHRI will promote the development of a closer relationship between the Australian and North American HVACR and water heating industries.

The office is designed to further the interests of AHRI’s members and certification program participants by enhancing relationships with manufacturers and governmental and nongovernmental organizations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

AHRI has been consistent in its support for an updated Process Rule, as the current version was created in 1996 as non-binding guidance, which resulted in its being inconsistently followed by DOE.

Yurek stressed that the phasedown structure created by the bill would not affect equipment currently installed in homes and businesses nor HFC availability for current or future necessary applications.

The coronavirus highlights the need for fully operational health, safety equipment.

HVACR industry leaders are calling on officials to exempt HVACR from restrictions being placed on travel and business operation during the epidemic.

"The department ignored a statutory requirement that it establish clear and convincing evidence that the rule results in significant energy savings that outweigh the costs imposed,” said Caroline Davidson-Hood, general counsel, AHRI.

According to AHRI, HR 5544 would bring about a phasedown of a class of refrigerants known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and allow for a market- and consumer-friendly transition to new and better performing refrigerants and related products and equipment.