WASHINGTON, May 21 (Reuters) – The Trump administration plans on Thursday to delay enforcement of two Biden-era rules 🏽 governing refrigerants, as part of a 🏽 broader effort to undo the former president’s environmental agenda, according to a White House official.
The actions would affect markets, semiconductor manufacturers and other companies that use hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems. The compliance requirements stem from a 2023 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule that aims to reduce emissions of super pollutants.
Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency plans to propose easing other restrictions on HFCs through a separate rule that affects shippers of refrigerated goods, the official said. The measure, first reported by USA Today, is expected to be announced by US President Donald Trump at a White House event alongside EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
The White House official said easing restrictions would reduce costs for consumers, estimating potential savings of more than $2.4 billion.
“Americans were right to be frustrated with Biden-era refrigeration rules,” Zeldin said in a statement. “They did not protect human health or the environment and instead piled on expensive and unattainable restrictions beyond what the law requires.”
