Advocates for newly introduced legislation to reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants will conduct a six-figure media campaign over the next week urging Senators to support the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act (S. 2754). The campaign will be led by the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), the HVACR industry’s trade association, with support from the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy.
The legislation, introduced in October by Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.), would establish a national framework for the phase down of HFC refrigerants, while in the process promoting U.S. technology and creating thousands of new jobs. The legislation currently has 22 total bipartisan co-sponsors from 16 states.
“Globally, markets are already starting to move away from HFCs,” said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek.” A federal HFC phase down keeps U.S. manufacturers in the driver’s seat during this transition, creating jobs here at home, expanding market share abroad, and stimulating significant investment in the U.S. economy.”
The digital campaign will run from December 2 through December 8 on the energy pages of POLITICO, CQ/Roll Call, and The Hill. Bill advocates will also sponsor a food truck that will visit Capitol Hill on Thursday, December 5.
“We are pleased with the strong and growing bipartisan support for the AIM Act, building momentum for claiming the jobs and trade benefits that a uniform Federal HFC phasedown policy makes possible,” said Kevin Fay, executive director of the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy.
Federal legislation phasing down HFCs represents a chance to put America first, and to keep American workers at the forefront of this important global industry. A recent industry economic study showed that a new federal standard for the phase down of HFCs would create 33,000 new U.S. manufacturing jobs, add $12.5 billion per year to the U.S. economy, and expand U.S. exports in this sector by 25 percent. Failure to do so will cost U.S. businesses and jobs.
About AHRI
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) is the trade association representing manufacturers of air conditioning, heating, and commercial refrigeration, and water heating equipment. An internationally recognized advocate for the industry, AHRI develops standards for and certifies the performance of many of these products. AHRIs 300+ member companies manufacture quality, efficient, and innovative residential and commercial air conditioning, space heating, water heating, and commercial refrigeration equipment and components for sale in North America and around the world. http://www.ahrinet.org/
About the Alliance
The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy is the leading industry voice on issues relating to the Montreal Protocol, protection of the Earth’s Ozone Layer, and policies that encourage the development and commercialization of technologies that improve the quality of life and provide for a more sustainable future. http://alliancepolicy.org/
