The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is taking major steps to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EPA proposes regulations to limit the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the American Innovations and Manufacturing Act. The hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used mostly in refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps; foam blowing; and aerosols.
Entities that manufacture, import, export, destroy, use as a feedstock or processing agent, recover, or recycle HFCs could potentially be affected by the proposed rule.
What are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are potent greenhouse gases intentionally developed as replacements for ozone-depleting substances in the refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol, firefighting, and foam blowing industries. They have a potential to cause global warming that can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide (CO2). The use of HFCs is increasing worldwide due to the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances and the increasing use of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment worldwide.
Production or importation of the products will be banned until either 2025 or 2026, depending on the sector or sub-sector, followed a year later by a ban on the sale, distribution, offering for sale or distribution, export and other activities related to these products.
The proposal would also introduce record-keeping and reporting requirements. Comments must be received by January 30, 2023.
ComplianceXL offers cutting-edge technology and expert team members to assist companies with navigating the complexities of HFC regulations. Companies can focus on their core business operations and protect the environment at the same time when they work with ComplianceXL.
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