NAPSO Leads Dialogue on U.S. Cooling Legislation’s Impact on Potato Storage Sustainability
April 18, 2025: In an effort to better understand fast-evolving U.S. environmental regulations affecting refrigeration systems, the North America Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO) recently welcomed John W.S. Dunmore, Director of Government and External Affairs at the Biological Products Industry Alliance (BPIA) in Washington, DC, for a timely and insightful presentation on the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020.
Dunmore’s address to the NAPSO Central Committee, delivered during its April 14 meeting, offered an in-depth look at how the AIM Act will reshape cooling and refrigeration practices across multiple sectors—including long-term potato storage facilities throughout North America.
What Is the AIM Act?
Passed with strong bipartisan support, the AIM Act gives the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the authority to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—potent greenhouse gases widely used in cooling systems. The law aims to reduce HFC use by 85% by 2036 and supports the development of climate-friendlier alternatives.
Originally introduced in Congress in 2019, the Act has since become a cornerstone of U.S. efforts to meet global climate commitments under frameworks like the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
More information on this EPA website: https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2021-09/hfc-allocation-rule-nprm-fact-sheet-finalrule.pdf
Key Objectives of the AIM Act:
- Environmental Target: Cut HFC use by 85% by 2036
- Industry Incentives: Spur innovation in sustainable refrigerants
- Economic Opportunity: Support clean tech jobs and manufacturing
- Regulatory Clarity: Offer predictable policy timelines to industry stakeholders
Why It Matters for Potato Storage
While the AIM Act is not specific to agriculture, it has far-reaching implications for the North American potato industry—particularly for operations that rely on controlled temperature environments to ensure tuber quality, longevity, and safety. The phase-down of HFCs and the introduction of alternative refrigerants will require strategic foresight and possible capital investment from storage operators.
According to Dunmore, the EPA has already begun implementing rulemakings, including:
- A national HFC allowance system launched in 2021
- A 10% initial reduction in 2022
- Further step-downs in HFC usage through 2029
- A final 85% reduction target set for 2036
The EPA’s next steps may include tighter product-specific use restrictions, enhanced leak detection and reporting, and new compliance systems—all of which could impact facilities using traditional refrigeration systems.
Sector-Wide Implications
Although Dunmore’s briefing was hosted by NAPSO, the information is relevant across the entire North American potato supply chain—from growers with on-farm storage to large-scale commercial operations. The AIM Act’s implementation may present both regulatory challenges and modernization opportunities for facilities looking to align with next-generation cooling technologies.
The Act has received broad support from environmental groups, HVAC and refrigeration associations, and major trade organizations. While a few industry segments, such as aerospace and home appliances, opposed the measure, most stakeholders see the AIM Act as a balanced approach to reducing climate impact while preserving industrial competitiveness.
What Can Industry Do Next?
In his concluding remarks, Dunmore recommended a proactive posture for all industry stakeholders. His suggestions include:
- Facilitating Dialogue among growers, storage operators, manufacturers, and regulators
- Coalition Building with allied agricultural sectors and trade groups
- Engaging Policymakers to represent industry-specific storage realities
- Providing Technical Guidance to help operations transition smoothly
- Participating in Public Comment Periods during EPA rulemaking processes
Conclusion: Preparing for a Refrigerant Future
As the potato industry grapples with climate volatility and rising sustainability expectations, staying informed about foundational policies like the AIM Act becomes increasingly critical. NAPSO’s initiative to host Dunmore’s presentation signals a broader effort to prepare the storage sector for regulatory shifts—and to ensure that industry voices are heard in shaping what comes next.
The full implications of the AIM Act will unfold over the next decade, but one thing is certain: the cooling technologies that underpin potato storage are entering a new era—and North American stakeholders will need to adapt accordingly.
For additional information, stakeholders are encouraged to contact John Dunmore at Dunmore@bpia.org or visit the EPA’s AIM Act webpage for ongoing updates.
Source: North American Potato Storage Organization (NAPSO)
