Advocacy
This Month in DC Overview: April 2025
April 24, 2025 | 2 minute read
This Month in DC Overview
Alex Ayers gives us an overview of the most important things going on in DC this month. Highlights of this month's This Month in DC Newsletter:
HARDI and AHRI jointly filed a lawsuit against the NYSDEC, challenging recent amendments to New York regulations that impose sweeping bans and restrictions on the refrigerants used in air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigeration, and water heaters.
Congress has officially kicked off the reconciliation process to pursue “tax certainty”—a long-term tax policy effort. We’re on the path toward a significant tax bill later this year. Check out HARDI’s Tax Issues Page for a helpful graphic tracking the process.
In a sly move, the House included a procedural rule preventing any votes to overturn national emergencies—like those used to justify Trump-era tariffs—until September 30. Meanwhile, tariff policy continues to shift, with recent increases on Chinese goods and ongoing speculation about potential negotiations.
Energy efficiency regulations from the end of the Biden administration were overturned by Congress via the Congressional Review Act.
HARDI State-level Advocacy: Refrigerant and PFAS Polices
New York has opened registration for its Part 494 reporting requirements.
Washington State saw a judge overturn a natural gas preservation ballot initiative.
Maine and New Mexico have both enacted PFAS regulations, but with HVACR exemptions—until 2040 in Maine, and indefinitely in New Mexico.
Find out more that's going on in DC with Alex Ayers and Todd Titus!
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Alex Ayers
Alex Ayers is the Vice President of Government Affairs for Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International. As a recovering political nerd and current policy wonk, Alex is HARDI’s primary lobbyist and regulatory expert. Growing up in Iowa, Alex was exposed early to local politics through the first in the nation Iowa Caucuses, participating as a county caucus delegate to develop the grassroots planks that go into creating the party platform. Since moving to Washington, DC, Alex has spent over a decade lobbying, publishing papers, and testifying in various policy areas, including taxes, energy, environment, agriculture, and economics. His research has been cited by organizations such as the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and the Tax Foundation.
Expertise: HVACR Policy, Government Affairs, and Political Advocacy
Please contact events@hardinet.org to book Alex as a speaker at your next conference or event. Press Contacts - to request a quote or an interview, complete this form.
Todd Titus
Todd Titus, J.D. is HARDI's Director of State and Public Affairs. As the lead of HARDI's new state affairs department, Todd monitors legislative and regulatory issues across all 50 states to inform HARDI membership about the legislation that impacts the industry. Along with informing membership of key issues, Todd also spearheads grassroots initiatives, advocates before elected officials, and networks in person with relevant stakeholders.
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