BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Dozens of Buffalo-area business owners met Monday to discuss new regulations that will also impact consumers.
The New York State DEC has proposed new regulations regarding hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs. The compound is commonly found in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosols, but scientists say it is harmful to the environment.
The new regulations aim to phase out HFC refrigerants in the state by 2034. But that's not entirely consistent with the EPA's new phase-out. State rules are stricter than federal rules.
Bob Mesmer of Mesmer Refrigeration believes the regulation will cost companies hundreds of millions of dollars in new equipment, modifications and other long-term costs. That's a cost that could ultimately be passed on to consumers, he said.
“It doesn't just impact our business,” Messmer said. “It affects everyone in New York State.”
Mesmer agrees that HFCs are harmful, but wants DEC to listen to his and other business owners' concerns. Specifically, it wants the state to follow the federal government's phase-in approach.
“If you follow federal law, the federal rules that currently exist, rather than New York state rules, it should work fine,” Messmer said.
The state says the goal of this change is to implement the Climate Action Council's scoping plan recommendations necessary to achieve the required emissions limits across the state.
Written comments on the proposal can be submitted until March 19 at 5 p.m.
