Trump to Review EPA Refrigerant Rules Thursday
President Donald Trump is set to announce on Thursday a review of two refrigerant regulations from the Biden administration, part of a broader effort to lower grocery prices.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin expressed that, “Americans were understandably frustrated by the Biden-era refrigerant regulations, which did not protect human health or the environment and instead imposed costly and unrealistic limits beyond legal requirements. Today, the Trump EPA is fulfilling President Trump’s commitment to cut costs. We’re addressing every issue we can under our congressional authority. This will help businesses select effective refrigeration systems, leading to savings of billions of dollars that will benefit American families through lower grocery prices.”
Trump will announce that the administration estimates these two EPA actions could save Americans and businesses about $2.4 billion, with those savings likely translating to lower food costs, reduced shipping expenses for refrigerated items, and cheaper home air conditioning.
Zeldin will be joined by Kevin Hassett, the president’s assistant for economic policy, at the announcement event.
Corporate leaders attending include:
- Greg Foran, Kroger CEO
- William Kevin McDaniel, CEO of McDaniel Family Investments (Pigley Wiggly)
- Jonathan Gay, Owner of Foodfresh
- Ron Graf Jr., Jennifer Graf Jr., and Ron Graf Sr., Owners/COO of Columbiana Foods (Giant Eagle)
- Adam Gauthier and Annie Gauthier, Co-owners of Y-NonStop
- Richard Neiman, Owner of Neiman Foods
- Reynolds Kramer, CEO of Fareway Stores
Officials noted that the rule change could lead to significant savings, such as:
- Revisions to the 2023 technology transition rule potentially generating over $900 million, including more than $800 million for supermarkets.
- Once the proposed ER&R technology fixes are implemented, refrigerated goods carriers could see up to $1.5 billion in savings.
- Protection of more than 350,000 skilled American jobs.
- Provision of low-cost options for homeowners to repair or replace residential air conditioning systems.
Additionally, the president plans to suggest amendments to the Emissions Reduction and Recycling Act of 2024 (ER&R), which revised the Biden-Harris Administration’s 2023 Technology Transition Rule and imposed regulations deemed excessive by the White House, restricting the refrigerants available for use by businesses and households.
