Over the past several months, HARDI advocacy has maintained a strong and strategic presence across the states and in our nation’s capitol, promoting policies that reflect the needs of HVACR distributors and the contractor customers they serve. As regulatory and legislative activity continues to accelerate in 2026, HARDI remains focused on ensuring that distributor perspectives are heard, understood and incorporated into policy decisions. 

While federal policy often sets the framework, many of today’s most impactful HVACR policy debates are unfolding at the state and local levels. HARDI continues to track dozens of bills and regulatory proposals nationwide, with particular attention to electrification mandates, HFC phasedowns, emissions regulations and PFAS requirements.

In several states, HARDI’s engagement, often alongside state contractor associations and other industry partners, has helped shape more balanced outcomes. 

In Maryland, HARDI worked closely with the Heating & Air Conditioning Contractors of Maryland to get House Bill 1162 passed (https://bit.ly/49E8DKU), which requires a state board license for the sale of HVACR equipment. In Washington State, HARDI filed an amicus brief in support of a ballot initiative that would protect consumer energy choice (https://bit.ly/4qD8gpT). In New York, HARDI continues to challenge Part 494 through both legal and federal advocacy channels (https://bit.ly/4qVDglf). 

HARDI is also cultivating strong collaborative relationships with state contractor organizations in Texas, California and the greater New England area to coordinate advocacy strategies and keep distributor and contractor priorities aligned.

Beyond traditional channels

At the federal level, one of the most significant advocacy efforts centered on the Environmental Protection Agency’s Technology Transition Rule Reconsideration and the proposed Jan. 1, 2026, installation prohibitions. Recognizing the operational and supply-chain implications of installation-based compliance, HARDI mobilized its membership to engage with regulators.

That effort proved highly effective. HARDI members submitted the majority of public comments to the EPA on the reconsideration proposal, clearly articulating how installation deadlines would create confusion, increase costs, and disrupt distributor and contractor operations. After the close of the comment period, the EPA announced it would deprioritize federal enforcement of the Jan. 1, 2026, installation prohibitions contained in the reconsideration rule (https://bit.ly/4qCNJlh).

On the legislative front, HARDI has supported congressional efforts to reform the Energy Policy and Conservation Act and remove the installation date requirement from regional standards, citing concerns about rigid federal efficiency standards that can limit consumer choice and increase costs.

HARDI has also strengthened its federal advocacy by engaging agencies beyond traditional regulatory channels. In response to New York’s Part 494, HARDI submitted detailed information to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) outlining the significant safety, cost and compliance burdens the rule places on HVACR distributors, many of which qualify as small businesses. 

The SBA incorporated HARDI’s analysis into its official comment letter in the federal record, providing an alternative federal perspective of opposition rather than a direct industry filing.

Following HARDI’s Washington fly-in event, several members of Congress and congressional staff accepted invitations to visit HARDI member facilities in their home districts throughout 2025. These site visits have proven to be one of the most effective advocacy tools available, helping bridge the gap between policy intent and operational reality while building our members’ relationships with their elected officials.

Grassroots engagement

To support both federal and state advocacy efforts, HARDI also launched the Grassroots Advocacy Center (www.hardinet.org/grassroots). This hub, aimed at strengthening the industry’s collective voice, provides access to active advocacy campaigns, legislative tracking tools and election resources. 

By lowering barriers to participation, HARDI is empowering distributors and their contractor partners to share their experiences and concerns directly with policymakers. Grassroots engagement has already played a meaningful role in shaping regulatory discussions, and expanded participation will only increase its impact.

With active engagement at both the federal and state levels, and strong collaboration across the industry, HARDI is well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead in 2026 and advocate effectively on behalf of its members. 

Madison Romero is HARDI’s public affairs associate, supporting the industry advocacy of the government affairs team through strategic writing, grassroots campaigns and media outreach. She crafts messaging that connects HARDI’s advocacy goals with its members and broader HVACR industry audiences. Romero also contributes to developing content around industry events and external communications efforts across platforms.