FACT SHEET: Proposed Rule - New Substitute in the Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Sector

Action

EPA is proposing to list HFO-1234yf as an acceptable alternative with use conditions for CFC-12 in motor vehicle air conditioning (MVAC) systems.
HFO-1234yf is a non ozone-depleting gas and consequently does not contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion.
This new alternative, when used with proper risk mitigation technologies, will reduce the impact of MVAC refrigerant emissions on the environment.

Background

Under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program (Section 612 of the Clean Air Act), EPA reviews alternatives to Class I and Class II ozone depleting substances (ODS) to find substitutes that pose less risk to public health and the environment.
The European Union has banned the use of HFC-134a (the current MVAC refrigerant) effective 2011. By the end of the decade, cars sold in Europe may have to include the new alternative proposed in this action.
U.S. car manufacturers are developing systems using this and other alternative refrigerants for the European market and for possible domestic sale as well. This proposed rulemaking will allow for the safe introduction, operation and maintenance of this alternative refrigerant in the United States.
If auto manufacturers choose to adopt this refrigerant, they would be required to mitigate risks of fire associated with this refrigerant in the event of an accidental release during servicing or vehicle operation.

How to Comment

EPA will accept comments on this proposed rule through February 1, 2010. All comments should be identified by E-Docket No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0664. Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:
- Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
- Email: A-and-R-Docket@epa.gov
- Fax: (202) 566-1741
- U.S. Mail: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Mail Code 6102T, Attention Docket ID No. OAR-2004-0488, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW , Washington , DC 20460
Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver your comments to EPA Air Docket Public Reading Room, Room B102, EPA West Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket's normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.
Additional information on motor vehicle air conditioning refrigerants can be found at the following address: http://epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/index.html