Judges Probe Limits of EPA Authority in Hydrofluorocarbon Rule

A D.C. Circuit panel on Friday probed technical language in a popular law to regulate hydrofluorocarbons, examining claims that the EPA exceeded its authority in implementing portions of the law.

Heating and cooling wholesalers and manufactures met the Environmental Protection Agency at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit for oral arguments in a lawsuit over portions of the agency’s hydrofluorocarbon phasedown plan.

The petitioners’ interpretation of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (Public Law 116-260) “would seriously undermine EPA’s authority to carry out its statutory responsibilities,” according to Department of Justice trial attorney Andrew Coghlan. ...