WASHINGTON — In March, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) filed a motion for a stay with the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals in the regional efficiency standards lawsuit to delay the May 1 compliance date for non-weatherized gas furnace standards. Since that time, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has filed a response. Heating, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) and Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) have also filed responses.

The DOE filing supports AHRI’s motion in part, by agreeing to a six-month delay in the compliance date; however, DOE opposed AHRI’s request that the stay be linked to the promulgation of the enforcement rule. AHRI replied to DOE’s filing this week, highlighting the support AHRI has received and addressing DOE’s arguments against linking the stay to the enforcement rule. HARDI’s response and ACCA’s response both support AHRI’s motion.

AHRI said the motion is now considered “fully briefed,” which allows the court to rule at any time.

Publication date: 4/1/2013