Drusilla Hufford, DirectorStratospheric Protection DivisionU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyEPA Regulatory Update2015 HVACR & Mechanical Conferencefor Education ProfessionalsMarch 9, 2015Linthicum Heights, MDWhy are HFCs a Concern?2Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are synthetic, fluorinatedgreenhouse gasesUse and emissions of HFCs are rapidly increasing, because they arereplacements for ozone-depleting substances (ODS) being phased outunder the Montreal ProtocolFrom 2004 to 2008, globalemissions of HFCs increased byabout 8% per year; left unchecked,emissions could rise to nearly 20%of total carbon dioxide emissions by2050In the United States, emissions ofHFCs are expected to double fromcurrent levels of 1.5 percent ofgreenhouse gas emissions by 2020,and triple by 2030UNEP 20113Announced June 2013Among many other things, the CAP directsEPA to take action on HFCsAddress HFCs domestically:Use existing Clean Air Act authority ofSignificant New Alternatives Policy(SNAP) Programto approve climate-friendly chemicals and prohibitsomeuses of most harmful chemical alternativesProvidefederal leadership by purchasingcleaner alternatives to HFCswhenever feasible and bytransitioningto equipment using safer, moresustainable alternativesContinue international diplomacy on HFCs:Lead negotiations underMontreal Protocolto phase down HFCsWork with partners in theClimate and Clean Air Coalition to ReduceShort-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC)to promote climate-friendlyalternatives to high-GWP HFCs, address standards, and reduce HFC emissionsPresident’s Climate Action Plan4Evaluates substitutes and lists as acceptable thosethat reduceoverallriskto human health & environment; lists acceptable with use conditions ifneeded to ensure safe use; lists as unacceptableIndustrial sectors include:Aerosols; Foams; Refrigeration and Air Conditioning; Solvents; Fire Suppression;Adhesives, Coatings & Inks, etc.Since 1994, 400+ substitutes reviewed considering dimensions of ‘overallrisk’, relying on principles that have guided SNAP for past 20 years:Ozone-Depleting Potential, Global Warming Potential, Flammability, Toxicity, LocalAir Quality, Ecosystem Effects, Occupational, Consumer Health/SafetyConsider each individual end-use; No across-the-board GWP cut offs; Noprohibition on HFCs as a whole, or in any one sector; New HFCs or blends(e.g., HFC/HFO blends) can still be listed if risksare not greater than otheravailable substitutes; Recognize timing is criticaldimension and that each enduse has unique considerationsThrough intensive engagement with stakeholders, sought deeperunderstanding of range of alternatives, ongoing transitions, where/whyoptions are limitedHeld two large stakeholder meetings to discuss initial thinking; Seven sector-specific workshops;numerous other meetings with individual stakeholdersIssued new acceptability noticeadding morealternativesPublished October 21, 2014 (79 FR 62863)Issued new rule adding five flammable refrigerantswith use conditions thatadopt safety standardsSigned February 27, 2015Includes household refrigerators and freezers, stand-alone retail food refrigeration equipment, verylow temperature refrigeration, non-mechanical heattransfer, vending machines, and room airconditioning unitsProposed Status Change Rule to limit use of HFCsPublished August 6, 2014 (79 FR 46126)Proposed certain HFCs unacceptable for specific end-uses with compliance dates starting over thenext few yearsIncludes aerosols, foams, motor vehicle air-conditioning and commercial refrigerationSNAP Action Update5Develop final Status Change RulePublic comment period closed October 2014Reviewing comments and developing final rule for 2015SNAP is a continuing review program; current rulesshould be seenas part of a seriesAdditional alternatives under evaluation; expect more notices,proposals in 2015Continue to engage with stakeholdersSNAP Next Steps6HFC EmissionsHFC Emissions ReductionsReductions7Near term changes canprovide both near andlong term benefitsAvoided emissions fromproposal estimated31-42 MMTCO2eq in 2020EPA announced plans to update 608 regulations in NovemberReduce emissions of high-GWP refrigerants by expanding 608 to HFCsSimplify, clarify and improve existing requirementswhere possibleEPA engaging stakeholders on what changes to makeChanges could affect techniciansTo purchase HFCs, you would have to be certifiedTo service, install or dispose of most HFC-containing appliances, youwould have to be certifiedTest bank questions would be updated to reflect changes in the marketand regulationsService requirements would extend to HFC-containingappliancesTimeline:Proposed rule in late 2015Final rule after considering public feedback in 2016Updated test bank would follow final ruleCAA Section 608 Regulatory Changes8United States pursuing HFC Phasedown amendment to theMontreal ProtocolJoint proposal with Canada & Mexico to phase DOWN,not phase out,HFCsOpen-ended Working Group meeting of the Montreal Protocol andHFC Management workshop: April 2015White House event on HFCs, September 2014, announcedcommitments to curb HFC use and emissionsEPA providing technical support to efforts to update the FederalAcquisition RegulationsG7 Summit statement, June 2014:“We will work together and with others to phase down the production andconsumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol. We willalso continue to take action to promote the rapid deployment of climate-friendly andsafe alternatives in motor vehicle air-conditioningand we will promote publicprocurement of climate-friendly HFC alternatives.”Additional Efforts on HFCs9Thank You!