Trump EPA to relax refrigeration and air conditioning rules on greenhouse gases

The Trump administration is set to relax federal regulations that limit the use of potent greenhouse gases in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, a move officials say is intended to reduce costs for businesses and consumers. The changes are scheduled to be announced by President Donald Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin at a White House event, where executives from major grocery chains are expected to be present.

Administrator Zeldin stated that the current rule, established under the previous administration, imposes costly restrictions and limits the types of refrigerants available. The new rule will allow businesses to choose the systems that work best for them, saving billions of dollars, Zeldin said, adding that these savings would be felt directly by American families through lower grocery prices. The announcement comes as inflation, reported at 3.8 percent annually in April, outpaces wage gains, with officials citing the ongoing conflict involving Iran and recent tariffs as contributing factors.

This regulatory shift marks a reversal of a policy trajectory set in motion during Trump's first term. In 2020, the president...