AHRI Update
May 1, 2025
Top Stories
AHRI Senior Leadership Attends China Refrigeration Expo
AHRI’s 2025 Board Chairman and several members of the senior staff from the United States and China attended the 2025 China Refrigeration Expo, held April 27-29 in Shanghai. During the trade show, Board Chairman Megan Fellinger, AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek, Senior Vice President Henry Hwong, and Vice President Bridge Xue met with representatives from AHRI member companies Sanhua, Midea, McQuay/Daikin, TICA, Veck, Hisense, Haier, and TCL, as well as other expo participants, to discuss recent and ongoing changes within the U.S. government and the HVACR and water heating industry. In addition, Yurek participated in a panel discussion on the ongoing refrigerant transition and the challenges associated with sustainability planning.
Before arriving in China for the expo, Yurek and Fellinger visited Carrier/AUTECH Group, LG Electronics, and Shinsung E&G facilities in Korea. They also met with Sunghee Kang, President of the Korea Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry Association (KRAIA), to discuss cooperation in between KRAIA and AHRI on standard development and certification services for local manufacturers. Contact: Bridge Xue.
Registration Deadline Approaching for the AHRI Policy Symposium!
There are two weeks left to pre-register for the 2025 AHRI Policy Symposium, to be held May 19-21 in Washington, DC. Complete your registration by May 14 to secure your spot at AHRI's premiere federal advocacy event!
Create Lasting Relationships on Capitol Hill
The AHRI Policy Symposium can serve as the catalyst for relationships that extend well beyond Washington, DC. For our small- and medium-sized member companies, who may not have a dedicated government affairs department, the legislative meetings are an opportunity to jumpstart a connection.
Bill Steel, President and CEO of Bard Manufacturing, had his first sit-down meeting with Representative Bob Latta (R-Ohio) on Capitol Hill during the AHRI Policy Symposium. That meeting, in which Steel highlighted Bard's record in job creation and economic output, set the stage for Rep. Latta to become a long-time industry ally.
"The relationship that we've built with our representative has helped him be very aware of things happening in the industry," said Steel. "He's helped with legislation, he's been involved in energy committees, and he's really raised awareness of AHRI and our company's needs."
Following the Policy Symposium, Rep. Latta attended an open house for Bard's new facility in Bryan, Ohio. Building on the relationship from there, he invited Steel to serve as his guest at the 2019 State of the Union address as a way of highlighting his commitment to American manufacturing. "Without the Policy Symposium visits to Capitol Hill, I don't believe the depth of that relationship would have ever happened," said Steel.
The legislative visits are only one aspect of what makes the Policy Symposium so valuable to our members. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from our keynote speakers and a number of expert panelists. Please see the full meeting agenda so you can plan to attend one or more of our general sessions. Contact: Lauren Little.
AHRI/ Industry News
AHRI Members, Staff Meet with Legislators During the AHRI State Summit
On April 30, more than 60 AHRI members, staff, and consultants attended legislative meetings with New York state lawmakers in Albany as part of the AHRI State Summit.
The meetings provided the opportunity for members to speak directly to key decision makers on industry topics such as extended producer responsibility programs, building decarbonization, HFC regulations, and PFAS policy, among others.
Ahead of these visits to the state capitol, dozens of expert panelists and some of the leading voices in New York state addressed industry issues being discussed within the state legislature, such as the use of low-global warming potential refrigerants, energy efficiency standards, and plastics and packaging. Contact: Lauren Little.
Legislative and Regulatory
CalRecycle to Host Workshop on California Senate Bill 54
On May 27, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) will hold an informal public workshop from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. PDT to consult with the public, the regulated community, and other interested persons to solicit feedback regarding regulations to implement, make specific, and clarify SB 54 (Allen, Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022).
Interested parties must register to attend virtually via Zoom. The registration link and other information will be forthcoming and made available on the SB 54 Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act Permanent Regulations rulemaking webpage prior to the meeting. Contact: Nicole Colantonio.
South Coast Air Quality Management District Schedules Public Hearing on Proposed Amended Rules 1111 and 1121
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) has published an updated notice of Public Hearing for June 6 at 9:00 a.m. PDT, during which the Governing Board will consider the adoption of Proposed Amended Rule 1111 – Reduction of NOx Emissions from Natural Gas-Fired Furnaces (PAR 1111) and Proposed Amended Rule 1121 – Reduction of NOx Emissions from Residential Type, Natural Gas-Fired Water Heaters (PAR 1121). The Notice of Public Hearing is available online. Contact: Nicole Colantonio.
AHRI’s Government Affairs Team to Host Two Webinars in May
Join AHRI’s Government Affairs team for two webinars this month! On May 7, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the energy and environment policy priorities of the Trump-Vance Administration during The First 100 Days of the Second Trump Administration. Bracewell Partner Scott Segal will be joined by Capital Alpha Founding Partner James Lucier to provide a review of the administration's actions during its first 100 days and discuss their impact on the HVACR and water heating industry. They will also discuss how the past few months have laid the groundwork for the legislative and regulatory priorities of the 119th Congress and how it can be expected to interact with the Trump-Vance administration over the next four years. Register now and mark your calendar for May 7 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT.
The second webinar, Looking Ahead to the 2026 Elections, will take place May 29 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EDT. We are only five months into 2025, but it is never too soon to talk about the 2026 elections! AHRI’s Government Affairs team will be joined by political consultants Missy Edwards and Richard Sullivan for their predictions on the 2026 midterms. They will cover what the early election map looks like, share insights from Republican and Democratic camps, and outline how it will all impact the second half of the Trump Administration. Contact: Makenzie Horrigan.
Standards
AHRI Launches Project to Pursue National Standard of Canada Designation for AHRI Standard 1330
The Infrared Heaters Standards Technical Committee (STC) approved a Canadian Project Initiation Form (PIF), a Canadian Interest Form, and a Canadian Standard Work Group (SWG) chair, scope, and roster to pursue a National Standard of Canada (NSC) designation for AHRI Standard 1330-2024 (SI), Performance Rating for Radiant Output of Gas Fired Infrared Heaters. The Canadian SWG will used the published AHRI standard without modification during this process. Contact: Connor Welch.
AHRI Announces Standard Revision Project
The Automatic Commercial Ice-Makers STC has begun a project to revise AHRI Standard 810-2023 (SI/I-P), Performance Rating of Automatic Commercial Ice-Makers. This work includes updating the references of ASHRAE 29 to the latest version, updating the standard rating conditions to reflect humidity updates in both ASHRAE 29 and DOE test procedures, and aligning the standard with the DOE test procedure. Contact: Elias AlJariri and Greg Kalyniak.
AHRI Standards Open for Public Review and Comment
Technical Review
AHRI invites public comments on the technical content of the following draft AHRI standards. Based upon comments received, the Commercial Refrigeration Standards Technical Committee (STC) will decide whether to make changes. Copies of the drafts and the list of revisions are available through the documents’ links, listed below.
Document Designation and Title: BSR/AHRI Standard 1250-202x (I-P), Performance Rating of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
STC: Commercial Refrigeration
Public Review Deadline: June 2
Contact: Greg Kalinyak
Document Designation and Title: BSR/AHRI Standard 1251-202x (SI), Performance Rating of Walk-in Coolers and Freezers
STC: Commercial Refrigeration
Public Review Deadline: June 2
Contact: Greg Kalinyak
Weekly Update from ASHRAE, ANSI, and SCC
This week’s summary of ASHRAE, ANSI, and SCC standards activities that are relevant to AHRI’s work is available here. Current and previous standards activities for ASHRAE can be found here. Current and previous standards activities for ANSI can be found here.
International
AHRI MENA Office Meets with Regional Industry Partner
On April 30, AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin and Development Manager Hassan Kal met with representatives with the Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD), to discuss areas of mutual interest and opportunities to support sustainability and the advancement of product efficiency in Qatar and the broader Gulf region. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI Participates in ASHRAE Region VIII Chapter Regional Conference
The ASHRAE Region VIII Chapter Regional Conference (CRC), hosted by the ASHRAE Northeastern Oklahoma Chapter, took place from April 24–26 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. AHRI’s Senior Director of Global Services Michael LaGiglia (shown here with incoming ASHRAE President Bill McQuade) attended the event, of which AHRI was a proud sponsor.
AHRI is committed to fostering strong relationships with ASHRAE chapter professionals and continually exploring opportunities to support AHRI/ASHRAE mutual objectives. Region VIII includes 15 chapters across Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico. Contact: Michael LaGiglia.
AHRI MENA Staff Attends Industry Conference in Doha
On April 23-24, AHRI’s MENA office participated in the International Conference on Energy and Indoor Environment for Hot Climates, hosted by the ASHRAE Qatar Oryx Chapter. Managing Director Nabil Shahin and Development Manager Hassan Kal represented AHRI, as Kal hosted an industrial session to discuss technology advancements and Shahin accepted a plaque of appreciation in recognition of AHRI’s participation in last year’s ASHRAE Lebanon event. Contact: Hassan Kal.
AHRI MENA Staff Visits Jersey Manufacturing
On April 23, the AHRI MENA team visited Jersey Manufacturing Company in Qatar to present a performance certificate recognizing Jersey for its 100 percent success rate in certification testing for its variable air volume terminals over a three-year period (2022-2024). AHRI congratulates the Jersey Manufacturing team on this outstanding accomplishment. Contact: Hassan Kal.
Stay Up to Date with AHRI’s Global Offices, Sign Up for International Mailing Lists
AHRI’s Global Services department is proud to maintain international offices in Canada, China, India, Latin America, and the Middle East. Our local teams, supported by AHRI’s long history of industry experience and expertise, offer services and solutions specific to each region. As part of their service to AHRI members and other stakeholders, each office maintains an industry contact list for location-specific events and news. To be added to these lists, click the office below to be directed to its sign-up page:
Please note: these lists are designed to provide location-specific information. Developments that are of interest to the broader AHRI community, such as event announcements and industry partnerships, will be included in this weekly AHRI Update newsletter. Contact: Regan Spencer.