Trump Relaxes Refrigerant Rule in Move to Address Affordability

Yesterday, the Trump administration eased federal rules requiring retail stores and air-conditioning companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cooling equipment. The administration said the move would help lower food prices by delaying costly restrictions that limit the type of refrigerants U.S. businesses and families can use.

The change relaxes previous Biden administration regulations related to hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, which are emitted by refrigerators and other appliances, the Associated Press reported.

During the White House event, President Trump said the previous regulations were “unnecessary and costly and actually makes the machinery worse.”

NACS 2025-26 Chairman Annie Gauthier, CFO/Co-CEO of St. Romain Oil Company (Y-Not Stop), attended the event in the Oval Office along with executives from Kroger, Piggly Wiggly and other grocery chains.

“I was honored to represent the convenience retailing industry to witness the easing of burdensome regulations with a real cost to our businesses and our communities,” said Gauthier.

NACS commented on the refrigerant rules as they were going through the regulatory process, urging less burdensome requirements. The White House announcement took NACS’ position and will save retailers substantial funds. Retailers will be able to use current equipment as planned rather than having to spend substantial funds replacing refrigeration units.

In addition to easing the refrigerant rules, President Trump has taken a number of actions consistent with NACS positions this year, including pushing the Food and Drug Administration to approve pending nicotine vapor products, fighting against electric vehicle mandates and endorsing the Credit Card Competition Act.