Convenience retailers welcome refrigerant rule rollback

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has eased federal refrigerant regulations that convenience retailers and other food sellers argued would have imposed high costs on their businesses.

The Environmental Protection Agency announced it would relax compliance requirements for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), delaying parts of a Biden administration rule that would have accelerated the transition to newer refrigerants starting in 2026.

Convenience retailers were represented at the White House announcement by NACS Chairman Annie Gauthier, who is the CFO and co-CEO of Y-Not Stop and St. Romain Oil Co.

“I was honored to represent the convenience retailing industry to witness the easing of burdensome regulations with a real cost to our businesses and our communities,” said Gauthier.

NACS, which had urged regulators to adopt a less burdensome approach, said the revised policy will allow retailers to continue using existing refrigeration equipment according to planned replacement schedules rather than making costly upgrades.

“The White House announcement took NACS’ position and will save retailers substantial funds,” the association said.

Kroger Chairman and CEO Greg Foran also welcomed the move, saying it ensures “an orderly transition” that allows the company to update equipment “in a way which keeps the price of groceries down.”

The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute opposed the change, arguing that manufacturers have already invested heavily in new equipment and that delaying the transition could increase costs.

Environmental groups also criticized the decision, saying it could slow the adoption of refrigerants with lower climate impacts.

NACS noted that the decision on the refrigerant is among several recent administration actions aligned with the association's priorities, including support for additional approvals of nicotine vapor products, opposition to electric vehicle mandates, and endorsement of the Credit Card Competition Act.