While the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is looking to get a jump on banning HFC refrigerants that produce climate-warming emissions, some lawmakers and industry representatives argue the effects of moving ahead of federal timelines could be devastating to residents, grocers and job markets.
State Assemblyman Bill Conrad, a Tonawanda Democrat, introduced legislation to repeal or replace Part 494 – a state rule that would prohibit the sale of raw supplies of R-404A and R-507A refrigerants. But, the ban is also expected to create a “supply shock” which some warn could lead to equipment failures, food spoilage and economic losses that could impact small business owners and local consumers.
“I’m asking for my colleagues in the Senate, in the Assembly, to help pass this legislation and align us with the rest of the entire United States, and not give us a competitive disadvantage when it comes to our communities,” Conrad said in a public address at Market in the Square…