The Trump administration is loosening restrictions on “super pollutant” chemicals that are highly potent greenhouse gases, claiming that allowing their increased use will drive down grocery prices.
The move is a reversal of President Donald Trump’s past position on hydrofluorocarbons. Experts and industry leaders are skeptical that consumers would save money on food because of this change, and allowing companies to continue using HFCs, chemicals typically used for refrigeration and air conditioning, could violate both congressional instructions and international treaty commitments.
The Trump administration has been under significant pressure to address increasing affordability concerns, with the president’s polling numbers on his handling of the economy dropping to record lows.