USA: HFC regulation revisions spark concerns for climate goals

On March 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a review of the AIM Act’s technology transition rule, which aims to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and promote more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Finalised in October 2023, this rule sets limits on the global warming potential (GWP) of refrigerants used in new equipment, with compliance deadlines ranging from 2025 to 2028.

 

This review is part of deregulation efforts under the Trump administration, aimed at easing environmental restrictions. It could lead to changes in deadlines and compliance requirements, creating uncertainty for the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors. However, it is not expected to result in a return to high-GWP refrigerants like R410A, which have already been replaced by more climate-friendly alternatives.

 

Certain industry associations, such as the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), are concerned about additional costs and potential impacts on small businesses, while environmental advocates fear that this review could slow progress on sustainability and lead to a fragmented regulatory landscape across states. States like California and New York, for example, have already set strict limits on allowed GWP.

 

The EPA defends this re-evaluation of the regulation as a way to reduce costs for consumers and businesses. ^[1]

 

Source:

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-launches-biggest-deregulatory-action-us-history

https://www.achrnews.com/articles/164288-updated-epa-reconsiders-refrigerant-rule