Despite a proposed settlement abandoning the government’s plans for regional residential furnace efficiency standards, HARDI is pressing ahead with its petition to continue the lawsuit.

Responding to the U.S. Department of Energy’s objection to its request to take over as petitioner in the case, the HVAC wholesalers group told the appeals court Tuesday that the agreement does not address new rules for central air conditioners and heat pumps due to go into effect in 2015.

“This filing provides more context and precedent for HARDI to be allowed to continue to pursue the entirety of the case if the APGA (American Public Gas Association)/DOE settlement is accepted by the court and is reflective of the overwhelming desire of our membership to see this case through,” said Jon Melchi, director of government affairs for the Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International.

The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., has yet to rule on the settlement, so the May 1 date implementing regional furnace standards is still active, Melchi added.