WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized two rules designed to reduce the projected growth and emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
HFCs are used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industries and can be thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
“These two rules demonstrate the United States’ continued leadership in protecting public health and the environment,” EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said.
“We are reducing emissions of HFCs that are harmful to the climate system and showing the world that we can do this responsibly and thoughtfully by working with businesses and environmental groups. I’m especially excited that we have taken these actions ahead of next month’s Montreal Protocol negotiations.”
The rules are a part of EPA’s recent actions demonstrating U.S. commitment to climate-damaging HFC emission reduction at home. EPA will continue to work with other countries to amend the Montreal Protocol to address HFCs worldwide.
EPA met with industry leaders, environmental groups and interested stakeholders, and then took public comment before developing and finalizing these rules.