The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Enforcement Alert under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act) to address the illegal importation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This action is part of a broader effort to phase down HFCs, potent greenhouse gases that significantly contribute to global warming.
The EPA's alert outlines common compliance issues related to the importation of bulk HFCs and highlights recent civil and criminal enforcement actions. These measures aim to ensure companies adhere to legal requirements and avoid potential penalties.
"HFCs are potent, super polluting greenhouse gases with a global warming potential that can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide," stated the EPA. These substances are widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and other sectors. The AIM Act's phasedown is expected to reduce global warming by up to 0.5 degrees Celsius once fully implemented.
Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann from the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change: "After another summer of record-breaking heat, the urgency of the climate crisis continues to accelerate. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to meeting our goals to phasedown HFCs."
The AIM Act mandates an 85 percent reduction in HFC levels by 2036 from historic baselines. It authorizes the EPA to regulate production, consumption, and imports while promoting next-generation technologies and minimizing releases from equipment using HFCs.
In fiscal year 2024, the EPA completed nine civil settlements regarding unlawful HFC imports. Notable settlements involved five companies—Clean Venture, Inc., HVAC Services, Liferafts Incorporated of Puerto Rico, Little Leaf Farms, LLC, and Parker Engineering and Mechanical, Inc.—which imported HFCs without allowances in violation of the AIM Act. These cases prevented emissions equivalent to over 24 thousand metric tons of CO2.
Additionally, criminal enforcement actions have been taken this fiscal year.
The "EPA Targeting Illegal Imports of Hydrofluorocarbon Super-Pollutants to Combat Climate Change" enforcement alert is available on the EPA website.
For more information about HFCs, the AIM Act, and related initiatives, visit:
- National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative: Mitigating Climate Change
- Enforcement of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020
- Protecting Our Climate by Reducing Use of HFCs
To report suspected illegal importation of HFCs, visit EPA's Report Environmental Violations webpage.
