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EPA Delays Refrigerant Transition Timeframe For Vending Machines

CHICAGO -- In a big win for the industry, the Environmental Protection Agency recently issued guidance delaying the refrigerant transition for vending machines. The delay was granted pursuant to a recent court ruling. The National Automatic Merchandising Association and industry advocates have been at the forefront, petitioning for the delay. This guidance suspends the Jan. 1, 2019 transition date until the EPA updates regulations requiring a phase out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), currently used in near...

April 18, 2018

CHICAGO -- In a big win for the industry, the Environmental Protection Agency recently issued guidance delaying the refrigerant transition for vending machines.

The delay was granted pursuant to a recent court ruling. The National Automatic Merchandising Association and industry advocates have been at the forefront, petitioning for the delay.

This guidance suspends the Jan. 1, 2019 transition date until the EPA updates regulations requiring a phase out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), currently used in nearly all vending machines. While the final transition date remains uncertain, it is expected a new regulation from the EPA could be finalized within a year.  

Last summer, NAMA petitioned for this relief and secured a meeting with the EPA which included industry leaders, advocating on behalf of the industry, so that member businesses are able to navigate design and placement challenges related to the EPA required transition.

"This week's action delivers the positive result NAMA was working toward, a result that benefits manufacturers and operators alike -- providing valuable, additional time to work through challenges related to a transition away from HFCs," said NAMA's senior vice-president Eric Dell. "Moving ahead, the industry will continue to work together with the EPA on this issue and remains committed to a transition away from HFCs. In fact, NAMA is undertaking research to determine optimal next steps and address concerns related to alternative refrigerants."