By Timothy Gardner
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Biden administration on Tuesday released a final rule phasing out the use of gases called hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, used in refrigerators and air conditioners, in its final step to curb emissions that cause climate change.
The final rule implements a 40% reduction in HFC use below historic levels from 2024 to 2028, the Environmental Protection Agency said. It is based on a gradual reduction of 10% implemented for 2022 and 2023.
HFCs are also used in aerosols and foam products. Their impact on the climate can be hundreds to thousands of times greater than the same amount of carbon dioxide.
The rule aligns with the bipartisan U.S. Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 to reduce the production and consumption of climate-damaging chemicals by 85% by 2036, the EPA said.
“The U.S. HFC Phase-Down Program, supported by domestic innovation to develop alternative chemicals and equipment, is leading the way for the United States to fight climate change and strengthen global competitiveness,” said Joe Goffman. , EPA Air and Radiation Officer. A declaration.
The phase-down is part of a Biden administration set of rules, which also address electricity, vehicle emissions and methane, a greenhouse gas. The overall impact is expected to reduce the equivalent of 15 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions between 2022 and 2055, EPA Administrator Michael Regan said.
The EPA regulates the use of HFCs through an allowance program and enforcement mechanisms. Industry needs quotas, the number of which is gradually being reduced, to import and produce HFCs.
This year, the EPA is planning two additional regulatory steps. The first will limit the use of HFCs to facilitate transitions to alternative chemicals, and the second will be a proposed rule establishing requirements for the management of HFCs and HFC substitutes in air conditioners and other equipment.
(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; editing by Barbara Lewis)