US to ban high-GWP HFC refrigerants from 2025

United States. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) announced a proposed rule under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM) to advance the transition to more efficient heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technologies by restricting the use of super-polluting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in certain products and equipment where more climate-friendly alternatives are available.

This new rule would impact recognized refrigerants such as R134a, R404A, R410A, among others.

The proposed rule, which would apply to both imported and domestically manufactured products, seeks to ensure a level playing field for U.S. companies already transitioning to safer, next-generation alternatives and more energy-efficient technologies.

The bipartisan AIM Act authorizes EPA to limit or prohibit the use of HFCs in specific sectors and to gradually introduce these requirements as appropriate. The proposed rule addresses petitions granted in October 2021 and would restrict the use of climate-damaging HFCs used in certain foams, aerosol products, and refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment starting in 2025. The HFCs that are restricted under this proposal are the ones with the greatest global warming impacts.

Under the AIM Act, the Biden-Harris Administration is implementing a national HFC phase-out to achieve a 40% reduction below historic levels starting in 2024 and an 85% reduction by 2036. The proposed rule will now help guide this overall reduction by accelerating the HFC transition in areas where substitutes are available or being introduced, helping to unlock additional climate benefits and savings.

The EPA estimates that this action would provide greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to 35 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2e) per year, equivalent to the annual fuel consumption of approximately 7.5 million gasoline-powered cars. The cumulative savings for industry and consumers, largely resulting from increased energy efficiency and lower-cost refrigerants, are estimated to be up to $8 billion through 2050.

Board. Proposed prohibited substance restrictions for HFCs by sector and subsector

* Source: EPA.

Duván Chaverra AgudeloEmail: [email protected]

Editor Jefe

Jefe Editorial en Latin Press, Inc,. Comunicador Social y Periodista con experiencia de más de 12 años en medios de comunicación. Apasionado por la tecnología. Director Académico del Congreso RefriAméricas.

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