PartagerNew refrigerant regulations in California
Starting in January 2012, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will apply new refrigerant regulations In California.
On January 1, 2012, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will apply new regulations to facilities with over 2000 pounds (about 900 kg) of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) as part of AB 32, California’s climate change law enacted in 2006. This concerns around 2000 facilities, including some supermarkets. In addition to paying annual dues of USD 370, these businesses should register with ARB before March 1, submit an annual report on their refrigerant usage and operate a leak detection system. High GWP refrigerants include HCFCs and HFCs.
In January 2014, the measure will be extended to around 8500 facilities with between 200 and 2000 pounds (90-900 kg) of high-GWP refrigerant, and that will be required to register, report on usage and pay an annual fee of USD 170, and in January of 2016, about 15 500 facilities with between 50 and 200 pounds (23-90 kg) will be required to register and report, but will not have to pay a fee.
ARB regulations applying to businesses using over 50 pounds (23 kg) of refrigerants were launched in January 2011 and include regular leak inspection, repairs, retrofit or recovery plans, service practice requirements, recordkeeping and repairs of leaks within 14 days of their discovery. The regulations are expected to produce an average savings of roughly USD 2 per metric ton of CO2 equivalent, according to the ARB.
In January 2014, the measure will be extended to around 8500 facilities with between 200 and 2000 pounds (90-900 kg) of high-GWP refrigerant, and that will be required to register, report on usage and pay an annual fee of USD 170, and in January of 2016, about 15 500 facilities with between 50 and 200 pounds (23-90 kg) will be required to register and report, but will not have to pay a fee.
ARB regulations applying to businesses using over 50 pounds (23 kg) of refrigerants were launched in January 2011 and include regular leak inspection, repairs, retrofit or recovery plans, service practice requirements, recordkeeping and repairs of leaks within 14 days of their discovery. The regulations are expected to produce an average savings of roughly USD 2 per metric ton of CO2 equivalent, according to the ARB.