2023 Sep-Oct RETA Breeze

FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hello RETA Members, I’m writing this on a brisk morning with a hint of fall in the air. The leaves are changing color, and some are barely hanging on to the trees. Not only are the leaving starting to change but so are things here at RETA HQ. As I hope most of you are now aware, after a grueling but successful year of work performed by a combined RETA-RSES Integration Committee and another year of where I have been working directly with RSES as their Interim Executive Director, RETA and RSES are seeking to merge our organizations. Both organizations were founded under a similar principle to “do the right things for the right reasons.”This included fulfilling a need within the industry while promoting the advancement of knowledge, the development of educational materials, and supporting the development of individuals in the HVACR Industry through training. The merger has been approved by both boards and will be put forth for both memberships to vote on separately. I hope you will join us at our annual Business Meeting at the National Conference on November 14th in Jacksonville, Florida to vote on this important matter. If you are unable to attend please make sure you give your vote to your chapter leader so they can submit the proxy vote prior to the meeting. If you aren’t involved in a chapter, please contact Dan Denton at ddenton@reta.com or 541-497-2955 and provide your vote for the proxy via the Virtual Chapter. AIM Act and the phase-down of HFCs • On December 27, 2020, Congress enacted the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which

directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address hydrofluoro carbons (HFCs) through: • Phasing down the production and consumption of HFCs by 85% by 2036. • Facilitate the transition to next-gen eration technologies through sector-based restrictions. • Establish regulatory requirements for the management of refrigerants to maximize reclamation and minimize releases from equipment. The phase-down of HFCs is based on baseline levels, with the goal of reducing the production and consump tion of HFCs to 15% of baseline. The phase-down of available virgin gases will greatly outpace the demand for both new equipment and the ongoing servicing of existing equipment. This gap will be filled by reclaimed gases. The main components that make up some blended gases include molecules found in HFCs (Hydrogen, Fluorine, and Carbon). Some of the products we use, including HFO blends, may include those components. R23, R32, R125, R134a, R143a, R404A, R407A, R407C. R407F, R407H, R410A, R417A, R421A, R422D, R507 R448A and R449A are HFO blends that contain HFC components, therefore they are impacted by the AIM Act. So, to summarize this: The inevitable phase-down of HFCs most end users will have to choose between HFOs or all natural refrigerants. On a lighter note, it’s that time of year again. The RETA National Conference is almost here. I am looking forward to visiting with old friends and meeting

new friends.. We have an action-packed conference with the best training and social networking around. You won’t want to miss the Business Meeting and Lunch with Keynote Speaker Jim Knight. You’ll also want to spend time at the informative educa tional sessions, taking advantage of the fantastic Exhibition Hall opportunities to network and discover new equip ment, processes, and vendors, and having a little fun at the Autobahn Indoor Raceway, Jacksonville Icemen Hockey Game and Awards Dinner featuring the comedic stylings of Max Winfrey. I want to give a special “thank you” to our Sponsors and Exhibitors. We couldn’t do this without you. I look forward to seeing all of you in Jacksonville. Best to each of you and God Bless,

Jim Barron RETA Executive Director

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