The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed extending compliance deadlines for the adoption of low-global warming potential (low-GWP) refrigerants in transport refrigeration applications, including refrigerated intermodal containers. Under the new proposal, key implementation dates would shift into the late 2020s. The extension responds to industry concerns regarding supply chain challenges, retrofit costs, and workforce training, impacting equipment manufacturers, fleet operators, and cold-chain stakeholders nationwide.

Background

The EPA's Technology Transitions Rule, authorized under the AIM Act of 2020, established global warming potential (GWP) limits across refrigeration sectors. Transport refrigeration systems-such as intermodal containers-were originally subject to a 700 GWP cap beginning January 1, 2025[1]. The latest proposal seeks to delay compliance deadlines and introduce temporary GWP thresholds to facilitate phased industry adaptation[2].

Details

The proposed rule would revise the exemption temperature for refrigerated transport intermodal containers from -50 °C to -35 °C[2]. This change effectively defers enforcement for systems operating at lower temperatures, allowing compliance to extend into 2028 or later, depending on specific equipment and component manufacturing dates.

Industry organizations, including AHRI, have expressed concerns that deadline extensions may create uncertainty for entities already transitioning to low-GWP solutions and potentially benefit non-compliant operators[3]. Additional trade groups such as HARDI and Lennox caution that phased compliance could disrupt markets, result in stranded assets, and lead to regulatory fragmentation[4].

Original equipment manufacturers and fleet operators cite ongoing challenges with retrofit planning, access to compliant parts, and technician training. The delay allows additional time to implement workforce development for the use of A2L refrigerants, which have unique flammability considerations and require integration with current transport refrigeration technologies.

Outlook

The EPA is accepting public comments and expects to finalize the rule by mid-2026 after hearings and regulatory review. Equipment manufacturers and cold-chain operators should closely track these developments and prepare for retrofits or new equipment acquisitions to remain compliant with forthcoming federal standards.