The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Third Department, has granted an injunction that prevents the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) from enforcing a ban on two refrigerants utilized in the commercial refrigeration systems of thousands of businesses across the state. The injunction will remain in effect until the court determines if the broader regulation should be overturned. The decision comes as New Yorkers express growing concern about the affordability and operational impacts associated with the state’s refrigeration regulations.

Prior to the injunction ruling, a new statewide survey commissioned by the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) found strong public concern that the regulations could increase grocery prices, disrupt refrigeration repairs, and strain food supply operations throughout the state.

According to the survey, 71% of New York homeowners believe refrigerant regulations will increase costs for grocery stores and food retailers. Additionally, 87% said they would be concerned about higher food prices if refrigerant shortages or service delays disrupted grocery store operations.

The survey also found broad support for reconsidering regulations if they create affordability or supply chain concerns:

• 82% said regulations should be adjusted or delayed if they risk increasing food costs or causing supply disruptions.
• 65% believe refrigeration regulations could make repairs harder or contribute to store closures.
• 86% said reliable access to refrigerants for equipment repair and maintenance is important for grocery stores and food suppliers.

“These survey results confirm that consumers are worried about policies that disrupt refrigeration access and their consequences on grocery expenses,” said Alex Ayers, HARDI’s vice president of government affairs. “The court’s decision is a crucial opportunity for policymakers to fully evaluate the economic and operational impacts of these regulations on families and the broader food supply chain.”

The survey further found that New Yorkers strongly favor balancing climate policy with affordability concerns. Eighty percent of respondents said the state should slow down or adjust regulations if they increase costs for homeowners, grocery stores, or everyday goods like food.

Despite the broad implications of Part 494, public awareness of the regulation remains limited. Seventy-one percent of respondents said they had not heard of Part 494 before taking the survey.

HARDI continues to urge the New York State Legislature to remedy the issues with Part 494 and prevent further economic harm to consumers and businesses.

The survey of 500 New York State homeowners who are U.S. citizens was conducted by YouGov between April 23 and May 4, 2026. The margin of error is ±5.4%.