United States. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that he was directing the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to enact regulations for the phase-out in a number of applications of the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a group of potent greenhouse gases pollutants. The regulation would adopt the 2015 and 2016 changes to the Important New Alternatives Policy that, in the Trump administration, is leaving the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
"While the Trump administration denies change and climate and eliminates measures to protect our planet, New York takes the lead on climate change and charts a path to the future," Governor Cuomo explained. "We are taking steps to start banishing the use of hydrofluorocarbons. I urge other states to join New York and California to combat the danger of HFCs. In New York we believe that denial is not a life strategy. We will continue to fight climate change and for our economy, our planet and our future."
The regulation would prohibit the use of specific chemicals in new consumer products, new equipment and equipment that are conditioned after compliance dates, including aerosol propellants, commercial and residential food refrigeration equipment, commercial air conditioning equipment, air conditioners for light duty vehicles and sparkling wines. The phase-out, which would be implemented from 2020 to 2024, is expected to reduce HFC emissions by more than 20% of projected levels by 2030. The DEC will request information on this proposal before proceeding with a formal regulation, with the intention of finalizing a standard in 2019.
The regulations follow on directives Governor Cuomo communicated in the 2018 State of the State address about DEC working with other state agencies to reduce HFC emissions in New York. The New York proposal will also help achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, as well as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol to reduce the use of HFCs as substitutes for ozone-depleting chemicals.
With the completion of this proposal, New York joins California and Canada in demanding the phasing out of these dangerous pollutants. The requirement to phase out HFCs in these important markets will help drive the industry to banish these pollutants both domestically and internationally. In addition, U.S.-based companies producing HFC substitutes will benefit from New York's leadership with this initiative.
New York is also taking strong action to help consumers access energy-efficient appliances and other solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. The state offers rebates for certain purchases of new appliances or equipment, and consumers across the state can access energy efficiency programs through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) or their local utility provider. New York will announce this new step against HFCs at the Climate Change Action Summit to be held September 13-14 in San Francisco.
Source: New York Governorate.
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