NAMA welcomes EPA refrigerants proposal, will partner for uniform approach to safe, efficient alternatives

The National Automatic Merchandising Association today announced its support for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s proposal to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons.

“NAMA appreciates the EPA’s proposed national phase-out of HFCs,” stated Mike Goscinski, NAMA’s senior director of external affairs. “The convenience services industry has long advocated for the safe and efficient transition to alternatives, working for nearly four years to reduce HFCs in refrigerated vending machines.”

The NAMA Foundation recently partnered with the Department of Energy in a cooperative research and development agreement on energy efficient machines using A3 refrigerants such as R290.

“We look forward to working with the Biden administration and EPA throughout the rulemaking process and serving as a resource in the final rule development,” Goscinski said.

The EPA on May 3 proposed a rule to lower the use of HFCs, climate-warming gases commonly used in refrigerated machines, by 85% over the next 15 years.

Based in Arlington, VA, and founded in 1936, NAMA is the association representing the $31 billion U.S. convenience services industry, which comprises vending, micro markets and office coffee service.