NGA Statement on EPA’s Proposed Delay of HFC Rule

Washington, D.C. - The National Grocers Association, the leading national trade association representing independent supermarket retailers, released the following statement today regarding EPA's Proposed Delay of HFC Rule:

"NGA welcomes the EPA's effort aimed at reducing burdensome refrigeration regulations, specifically the technology transition rule under the AIM Act. The EPA's proposal to delay the HFC compliance rule is a more realistic approach in implementing the law which mandates the phase out of common refrigerants used in grocery stores. Independent grocers would be disproportionately impacted by an aggressive timeline given the significant capital expenditures needed for equipment upgrades and the limited availability and high cost of next generation refrigerants available in today's market. Independent grocers are committed to the sustainability of their operations, but this imperative must be balanced with the core mission of keeping groceries accessible and affordable for American families. NGA looks forward to submitting comments on the proposed rule and assisting the EPA with implementing a more realistic timeframe for AIM Act compliance."

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About NGA

NGA is the national trade association representing the retail and wholesale community grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. An independent retailer is a privately owned or controlled food retail company operating a variety of formats. The independent grocery sector is accountable for about 1.2 percent of the nation's overall economy and is responsible for generating more than $250 billion in sales, 1.1 million jobs, $39 billion in wages and $36 billion in taxes. NGA members include retail and wholesale grocers located in every congressional district across the country, as well as state grocers' associations, manufacturers and service suppliers. For more information about NGA, visit https://www.nationalgrocers.org.