Trump to Ease Greenhouse Gas Regulations on Refrigerants, Citing Consumer Cost Relief

US President Donald Trump announced today that he will relax regulations on potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners, a move aimed at lowering the cost of living for consumers. AFP reported that Trump criticized the regulations on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) established during the administration of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, and claimed that easing the restrictions would help reduce living costs for American consumers. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that the old regulations were "ridiculous, unnecessary, and costly, and actually make machines work less efficiently." Surrounded by several corporate executives, Trump emphasized that the new policy "will not have any negative impact" and that "there are no environmental concerns." According to a statement from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Trump administration will delay the deadline for retail stores and other businesses to phase out HFCs under 2023 regulations. The Trump administration will also amend a 2024 law to ensure that all road refrigeration equipment is exempt from new HFC leakage regulations. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated that the new regulations would save the American people $2.4 billion (approximately NT$75.8 billion), noting that companies had previously passed these costs on to consumers. With oil supply disruptions caused by the US-Iran war driving up prices, the cost of living is expected to be a key issue in the November midterm elections.