Things to watch

NAFEM is closely monitoring the following initiatives for updates and will alert members when there is new information to share.

CA continues efforts to address indoor heat-related illnesses
Following comments received on its draft standard, California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CalOSHA) revised its proposed legislation to prevent indoor heat-related illnesses by regulating the temperature in indoor places of employment.

CA issues draft Air Protection Blueprint
CARB, the California Air Resources Board, has issued a draft of its Air Protection Blueprint identifying impacted communities and strategies to reduce emissions of air pollutants. The draft Blueprint also outlines criteria for developing community emissions reduction programs and air monitoring campaigns. CARB was expected to finalize its statewide strategy and monitoring plan for board consideration in October 2018.

CA considering requiring zero-emission buildings by 2030
California Assembly Bill No. 3232 has been approved. It requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to adopt strategies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the State’s residential and commercial buildings by at least 40 percent from 1990 levels by January 1, 2030. This goal is consistent with 2016 statutes that direct the State to reduce overall GHG emission by this amount in the same timeframe. According to the Bill, buildings are responsible for 25 percent of all GHG emissions.

NOx reduction plans in southern CA
California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) is creating standards to measure and reduce NOx emissions from charbroilers and other appliances with burners. These plans ladder up to SCAQMD’s plans to reduce NOx emissions by 17 percent by 2022, with subsequent reductions through 2031.

EPA considers rolling back HFC release rules
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held a hearing in October 2018 to discuss rescinding a 2016 Section 608 Refrigerant Management Regulation that prohibits knowingly venting or releasing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) during maintenance, serving and repair processes. The regulation would still apply to ozone-depleting substances (ODS). EPA proposed extending by six to 12 months the January 1, 2019 compliance date for substitute refrigerants subject to the current venting prohibition.