Stay informed with Forum Five, your source for the latest HVACR industry news and updates. In our Q1 2024 issue, we share 5 industry stories you may have missed, covering the ongoing concerns surrounding PFAS and F-gas regulations. Click through to read these important perspectives. 

1. Regulatory States: Further Limitations on PFAS-Containing Products Now in Effect. Right out of the gate in 2024, we’ve seen several states further regulate the sale of PFAS-containing products… This is a rapidly changing area of law; if they have not already, any business involved in the distribution of PFAS-containing products should consult an attorney to determine if new regulations affect those products in the states where they operate. Read more. 
2. Businesses seek changes in Maine’s first-in-the-nation PFAS ban. The Maine economy will shrink and major employers may leave if state lawmakers do not change a first-in-the-country [PFAS] law… Maine Chamber of Commerce President Patrick Woodcock called the law well-intentioned but unworkable. “There is universal recognition that this statute needs to change,” Woodcock said. When asked what will happen if the law remains unchanged, he said: “If this statute is not amended this session, there will be a complete rethinking of the long-term relationship with the state of Maine for some key employers.” Read more. 
3. Will Industry Push Back Proactively on Potential PFAS-Use Restrictions? Indiana senators chose to abandon a bill that reportedly would have excluded thousands of the most widely used PFAS chemicals from the state’s definition of that chemical class. Three representatives from the American Chemistry Council (ACC) testified in support of the bill… “Not all PFAS chemistries are the same, and therefore, it’s not appropriate to regulate them all the same,” said an ACC speaker. State senators in support of the bill have indicated that they may revisit it depending on developments in federal regulation. Read more. 
4. Industry faces ‘critical’ training challenge with new F-gas laws. The EU’s approval of a reformed F-Gas Regulation must now be backed with an effective training strategy that is not sufficiently covered in the final legislation… Graeme Fox, president of the Institute of Refrigeration (IOR), said there would be an urgent need to address concerns about providing “adequate” training and certification of the skills needed to safely and effectively manage higher flammability refrigerant at scale. Read more.
5. Australia opposes F-gas revisions. Refrigerants Australia noted that the F-Gas legislation seems to be based on the presumption that non-fluorinated substances – particularly hydrocarbons (with GWP values similar to, but higher than many, HFOs) – can be used in all air conditioners. These refrigerants, however, potentially have significant risks to the trade and users because of their flammability and explosive properties. Read more.