BLOG
EPA Proposes New Requirements for HFCs under SNAP [US]
- #Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
On October 15th, 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed amendments to the Clean Air Act’s refrigerant management regulations.
As part of the EPA‘s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, the agency is proposing additional requirements for heat-trapping hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
New requirements
The EPA has announced plans to extend the existing requirements under section 608 of the Clean Air Act that currently apply to ozone-depleting substance (ODS) refrigerants to non-ozone-depleting substitute refrigerants, including HFCs.
Under the current regulations, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment must be maintained and disposed of properly to avoid releases of substances harmful to the ozone. The amendments would impose industry best practices, such as requiring regular leak inspections and equipment repair.
SNAP program’s aim
Established under President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the SNAP program aims to reduce the release of ODS by identifying and approving ODS substitutes as well as prohibiting the use of certain harmful chemical alternatives.
Criticism
Some industry stakeholders claim that the finalized rule’s compliance deadline of January 1st, 2016 does not provide viable alternatives or enough time to transition to any proposed alternatives.
The EPA’s extension of the SNAP program’s restrictions to HFCs and proposed additional requirements are likely to be met with more industry objection.
The EPA anticipates that the new rule will be finalized during the first half of 2016. Following publication in the Federal Register, the EPA will accept written public comments on the proposal for 60 days.
Red-on-line EHS Legalist
Sources:
Our EHS experts are at your disposal and will be happy to answer your questions.
We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter.