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Basic Information
The Stratospheric Protection Division
About Us
EPA’s Stratospheric Protection Division (SPD) runs regulatory and voluntary programs that protect the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer and educate the public about sun safety. We care about ozone depletion because a thinner ozone layer allows more harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reach the Earth’s surface. Our programs to protect the ozone layer include requirements under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Clean Air Act. SPD runs the regulatory program to phase out the production and import of ozone-depleting substances in the U.S. and guides the transition to non-ozone depleting substitutes. Over the past several decades, SPD and its partners have made significant strides to protect the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer, the environment, and people’s health. However, healing the ozone layer will take many more years.
Our Mission
The mission of the Stratospheric Protection Division is to heal the Earth’s Stratospheric Ozone Layer and reduce incidence of related human health damages, like skin cancer. We accomplish this through domestic regulation, international engagement, voluntary programs, education, and outreach. Domestically and internationally, we promote the transition from ozone-depleting substances towards alternatives that do not create other forms of atmospheric damage, like interference with the Earth’s climate system. While the ozone layer remains damaged, we can help create sustained sun-safe behaviors among Americans, especially children.
Our Goals
- Heal the ozone layer
- Complete the phaseout of ozone-depleting substances using innovative and flexible regulatory approaches
- Promote safe alternatives
- Work with our partners to find safe and viable ozone-safe alternatives to traditional ozone-depleting substances
- Reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances
- Reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances during maintenance and disposal of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment
- Protect human health
- Educate the public on how to avoid the health effects of overexposure to UV radiation
What We Do
- Our regulatory programs phase out the production and import of ozone-depleting chemicals under the Clean Air Act.
- Our Significant New Alternatives Policy program manages EPA's review of substitutes for ozone-depleting substances and efforts to develop and implement voluntary programs that reduce emissions of high global warming potential gases
- We provide regulations and guidance to reduce use and emissions of ozone-depleting substances during maintenance and disposal of air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment
- We provide information on sun safety, including a ZIP Code searchable UV Index.
- We also oversee and coordinate international technology transfer and infrastructure building programs, including programs related to both ozone layer protection and climate change.