On September 23, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a final rule to establish a new program aimed at better managing, recycling, and reusing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). This initiative is part of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. The new Emissions Reduction and Reclamation (ER&R) program seeks to reduce leaks from large refrigeration and air conditioning equipment while promoting clean solutions to address these heat-trapping emissions.
The ER&R program addresses the third component of the bipartisan AIM Act. It follows President Biden's ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement targeting HFC reduction to help avoid up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global warming by 2100. The rule aims for an 85% phasedown of HFCs by 2036.
“American companies are leading the world in developing and innovating clean solutions to reduce climate-damaging HFCs,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “This rule is the final foundational step in our strategy to address HFCs, building on programs to reduce HFC production and imports, and to guide technologies to safer alternatives.”
White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi emphasized that "the Biden-Harris Administration has moved with urgency and ambition since Day One" regarding the AIM Act. He noted that today's rule supports a growing industry for HFC recycling and reclamation while creating jobs.
Kevin Fay, Executive Director of the Alliance for Atmospheric Policy, stated that alliance members welcome this completion: “We look forward to reviewing the details of the final rule... We recognize that much work remains."
Stephen Yurek, President & CEO of Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute commented: “In AHRI’s view, this Final Rule... is an important part of ongoing transition from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to next-generation refrigerants.”
Richie Kaur from Natural Resources Defense Council highlighted EPA's steps in setting up essential measures for managing super pollutant HFCs: "With this rule, EPA has laid the foundation for reducing leaks."
Avipsa Mahapatra from Environmental Investigation Agency remarked on its global significance: “This landmark rule solidifies a strong regulatory foundation... In addition to real emissions reductions at home."
The ER&R program includes various requirements such as repairing leaking equipment, using automatic leak detection systems on large refrigeration systems, utilizing reclaimed HFCs for certain existing equipment services, minimizing releases from fire suppression equipment, training technicians in fire suppression practices, removing HFCs from disposable cylinders before disposal, and establishing standards limiting virgin HFC content in reclaimed refrigerants.
EPA estimates additional cumulative greenhouse gas emissions reductions equivalent to approximately 120 million metric tons of carbon dioxide between 2026 through 2050 due to this rule.
Earlier this month EPA also proposed another action concerning priority access eligibility for six applications listed under AIM Act beyond 2025 which includes targeted revisions based on stakeholder engagement feedback.
The AIM Act authorizes EPA's approach towards addressing HFCs via three main pillars: phasing down production/consumption through allowance allocation; facilitating transitions via sector-based restrictions; promulgating regulations maximizing reclaiming/minimizing releases ensuring safety.
More information on both rules can be found through official channels.
