Alexandria, VA (July 29, 2024) – Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Power of Associations Gold Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its outstanding advocacy efforts on the issue of R-410a equipment.
ACCA was awarded the ASAE Gold Award in the Advocacy Category for its work in securing more time to install R-410a equipment. This recognition commends ACCA for promoting civil discourse with the government, mobilizing members with demonstrable results, and enhancing the industry’s reputation as a trusted resource for effective policymaking.
The ASAE award recognizes associations that create positive impacts on the American economy and society with results-oriented programs and initiatives.
“Congratulations to ACCA for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at large,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.”
ACCA's advocacy program addressed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) final rule to ban R-410a equipment effective January 1, 2025. The original ruling posed significant challenges for HVACR contractors and homeowners alike, as the industry was not yet prepared for the sudden shift to mildly flammable A2L refrigerants. The accelerated timeline risked unsold equipment, disrupted supply chains, and threatened financial losses for contractors.
Recognizing these challenges, ACCA filed a petition in conjunction with industry associations the Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and the Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors of America (PHCC), and launched a comprehensive advocacy campaign that successfully extended the ban to January 1, 2026. This extension provides contractors with essential additional time to deplete existing R-410a inventory, receive proper training, and transition to the new A2L refrigerants without facing the logistical and financial strains that an abrupt change would have caused.
ACCA's campaign mobilized over 230 members in a letter-writing initiative that successfully influenced the EPA to reconsider its final rule. This effort not only protected the interests of HVACR professionals but also demonstrated ACCA's commitment to ensuring that regulatory changes are implemented in a way that balances environmental goals with industry capabilities.
Key Highlights of ACCA's Advocacy Efforts:
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Extended Transition Period: The additional year allows contractors more time to sell their existing R-410a equipment. Without this extension, manufacturers fearing unsold inventory would have ended production of R-410a equipment before alternatives were readily available, resulting in a supply chain disaster.
ACCA will be honored at the ASAE’s Summit Awards Dinner on Tuesday, September 24 at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C.
ACCA is proud to be one of ASAE’s 7,400 member organizations.
For more information about the ACCA’s Gold Advocacy Award or ACCA itself, please contact Samantha Boyd, ACCA director of communications, marketing, and membership engagement at samantha.boyd@acca.org or 703-824-8842.