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Minutes for HB2173 - Committee on Commerce
Short Title
Ensuring that refrigerants that are approved for use under federal law may be used in Kansas.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 9, 2023
Chair Erickson opened the hearing on HB 2173.
Staff provided an overview of the bill. (Attachment 15)
Proponents:
Andrew Wiens, on behalf of the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, spoke in favor of the bill. (Attachment 10) The bill eliminates a timing barrier without imposing any new regulatory standards. It neither mandates the use of the new refrigerants, nor bars the use of the current HFC refrigerants. It allows for harmonization with the 2024 model codes benefitting consumers and businesses.
Chris M. Forth, Vice President, Regulatory, Codes & Environmental Affairs, Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) appeared via WebEx in support of the bill. (Attachment 11) The bill will help to ensure the JCI Wichita remains at the forefront of the highly competitive HVACR industry both with the United States as well as internationally (e.g. Canada) by ensuring uniform building codes throughout the U.S. and Canada and avoids a patchwork of different state regulations.
Sean Miller, Executive Director, Kansas Building Industry Association provided written testimony in support of the bill. (Attachment 12)
Opponent
Jay Hall, Deputy Director and General Counsel, Kansas Association of Counties, provided written opponent testimony. (Attachment 13)
Chair Erickson closed the hearing on HB 2173.
