EPA Caps HFCs for 2026 to Save the Planet, Business as Usual
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The EPA is setting the 2026 limits on how much hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) companies can produce and use, following the AIM Act’s phasedown plan to protect the environment. Some companies faced penalties that cut their 2026 allowances, so they’ll have less HFCs to work with. These changes start January 1, 2026, helping push the U.S. toward cleaner air while keeping industry on track.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Application-Specific Allowances Allocated
EPA allocated application-specific allowances for 2026 to named end users across four applications (MDI propellants; structural composite foam for marine and trailer use; semiconductor etching/cleaning; onboard aerospace fire suppression) and to the Department of Defense for mission-critical military end uses. The notice lists entity-specific allocations (for example, Kindeva 653,490.0 MTEVe, Intel 479,420.4 MTEVe, and DoD 6,156,958.5 MTEVe).
2026 National HFC Caps Set
EPA set national caps for 2026: total production allowances may not exceed 229,521,263 MTEVe and total consumption allowances may not exceed 181,522,990 MTEVe. These caps limit the total amount of regulated hydrofluorocarbons that can be produced or consumed in the U.S. in calendar year 2026.
MDI Set-Aside and Application Deadline
EPA set aside 1,000,000 MTEVe from both production and consumption pools for unforeseen public health or healthcare needs related to MDIs. Entities that use HFCs as propellants in metered dose inhalers may apply for these allowances until April 30, 2026; EPA expects to issue requested allowances within 60 days after that date and to distribute any remaining set-aside pro rata within 60 days.
Withheld, Revoked, and Retired Allowances
EPA took final administrative consequences effective September 30, 2025, withholding, revoking, or retiring allowances for specific entities. Examples include revocations of 78,551.8 MTEVe for IGas Holdings, 6,249.1 MTEVe for Matheson Tri-Gas, and withholding 2,815.0 MTEVe from Wolfspeed; MEK Chemical Corporation had 10,415.0 MTEVe withheld and 1,486.7 MTEVe retired.
Revoked Allowances Redistributed to Eligible Holders
For 2026, EPA reports 1,068,198.7 MTEVe of revoked and redistributed consumption allowances apportioned to eligible consumption allowance holders based on relative market share, and 64,161.5 MTEVe of retired allowances. Revoked allowances are redistributed to eligible general pool holders (excluding entities subject to the revocation on the same day).
2026 Allowances Usable Only In-Year
EPA states that calendar year 2026 allowances may only be expended to cover imports and production between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026; although allowances may be transferred after allocation, they cannot be used outside the calendar year for which they are issued.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11047 — National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants From Hazardous Waste Combustors: Residual Risk and Technology Review
The EPA just updated rules for places that burn hazardous waste, like incinerators and boilers, to keep the air safe and clean. They confirmed current standards work well but added new limits on harmful gases like hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide. These changes start June 3, 2026, and include easier electronic reporting and some new rules for startup and shutdown times—helping protect health without big costs.
2026-10641 — Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System: Disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals From Electric Utilities; Federal CCR Permit Program; Reopening of Comment Period
The EPA is reopening the comment period until June 29, 2026, for its proposed rule to create a federal permit program for safely disposing of coal ash from power plants. This affects electric utilities that handle coal waste and aims to improve environmental safety while possibly impacting their costs. Now’s the time for everyone to share their thoughts and help shape the rules!
2026-10387 — Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Reconsideration of Certain Regulatory Requirements Promulgated Under the Technology Transitions Provisions of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
The EPA is updating rules to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), chemicals used in cooling systems like refrigerators and air conditioners. These changes affect businesses in refrigeration, supermarkets, semiconductor manufacturing, and more, allowing some older equipment made before 2025 to keep running. The new rules kick in on July 27, 2026, helping industries transition smoothly while cutting harmful emissions.
2026-10086 — Extending the Compliance Deadline for the PFOA and PFOS Maximum Contaminant Levels
The EPA is giving water systems more time to meet safety rules for two harmful chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, by extending the deadline from April 2029 to April 2031 if they ask for it. This helps water providers get ready without rushing, keeping our drinking water safe. The EPA wants your thoughts and will hold a public hearing in July 2026 to hear from everyone.
2026-10085 — Rescission of Regulatory Determinations and Removal of Related Provisions for Four PFAS Substances (PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Mixture of These Three PFAS Plus PFBS)
The EPA is proposing to undo its rules for four PFAS chemicals (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and a mix including PFBS) in drinking water because the original process wasn’t done right. This means public water systems won’t have to monitor or treat these chemicals for now. People and water providers should weigh in by July 20, 2026, and a virtual hearing happens July 7.
2026-09895 — Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards for the Steam Electric Power Generating Point Source Category-Unmanaged Combustion Residual Leachate
The EPA is updating rules for steam electric power plants to better control dirty water leaking from leftover coal waste. This change affects existing power plants and is expected to save up to $1 billion a year while protecting water quality. Comments on the proposal are open until June 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20438 — Agency Information Collection Activity: VAAR Construction Provisions and Clauses
The Department of Veterans Affairs is renewing its paperwork rules for construction contracts without making any changes. Contractors working on VA projects will keep submitting cost schedules and work details as before. If you have thoughts, send them by December 22, 2025—no new fees or delays, just a smooth paperwork refresh!
Next: 2025-20440 — Notice of November 2025 Decisions on Petitions for Small Refinery Exemptions Under the Renewable Fuel Standard Program
The EPA just decided on 16 requests from small refineries asking to skip some renewable fuel rules from 2021 to 2024. Two refineries got full exemptions, twelve got half, and two were denied. These decisions affect small refineries’ costs and how they meet clean fuel goals, with the news announced on November 20, 2025.