The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced the removal of restrictions on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners. From the Oval Office, he described the Biden administration’s regulations as “ridiculous” and claimed that the decision will reduce the cost of living in the country.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that deadlines will be extended for grocery companies and manufacturers to gradually phase out the use of HFCs.
Official Arguments
Trump argued that the regulations were unnecessary and costly, and that they “worsen machinery.” Surrounded by industry entrepreneurs, he stated that there will be no “negative impact” on the environment.
The EPA estimated that Americans could save up to 2.4 billion dollars with the relaxation.
Criticism from Environmental Organizations
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) rejected the measure:
- “The environment and the economy lose,” said David Doniger, climate strategist.
- He warned that the decision will harm consumers and reduce U.S. competitiveness in global markets for safer refrigerants.
The Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute also questioned the measure, asserting that extending compliance deadlines will increase demand for existing refrigerants, which could raise prices and service costs.
Regulatory Context
- Original EPA Plan (2024): to ban the manufacture and import of products with Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants above 700, such as R-410A.
- Policy Reversal (2026): the Trump administration halted those plans, prioritizing cost reduction for consumers and industries.
- Extension of Deadlines: the new guidelines allow for prolonged use of HFCs.
Trump’s Environmental Policies
The decision is part of a broader deregulation strategy:
- Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, arguing that it affected U.S. competitiveness.
- Revocation of Environmental Regulations: including the EPA’s “endangerment finding” that classified greenhouse gases as a threat to public health.
- Promotion of Fossil Fuels: facilitating gas and oil extraction on federal lands and coastal areas.
- Reduction of Clean Energies: cutting subsidies and halting wind, solar, and electric vehicle projects.
Environmental Impact of HFCs
HFCs were introduced in the 1990s to replace chemicals that damaged the ozone layer. However, they turned out to be super-pollutants with a catastrophic effect on global warming. Their prolonged use contradicts international commitments to reduce emissions.
The removal of restrictions on HFCs reflects the Trump administration’s priority to reduce immediate costs for consumers and businesses, over environmental commitments.
While the government assures there will be no negative impacts, scientific and environmental organizations warn that the measure could worsen the climate crisis and weaken the United States’ competitiveness in cleaner technologies.
