States commit to phase out HFCs

California, Connecticut, Maryland and New York have all committed to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by adopting vacated rules 20 and 21 of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP).

California is the furthest ahead with these efforts. SNAP Rule 20 is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2019 and Rule 21 on January 1, 2020. Also, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will attend a public hearing of the California EPA on October 24 to discuss limiting the use of refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP) in stationary refrigeration systems. The meeting will be webcast.

NAFEM will continue watching initiatives from these states and investigate ways to work toward harmonizing deadlines to make the process most efficient for members.