Technology Transitions
Proposed Rule – Technology Transitions Restrictions on the Use of Certain Hydrofluorocarbons under Subsection (i) of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act
The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act (AIM Act) authorizes EPA to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in three main ways: phasing down their production and consumption, maximizing reclamation and minimizing releases from equipment, and facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions. This proposed rule focuses on the third area – the transition to alternatives through sector-based restrictions.
Consistent with the AIM Act, EPA is proposing to restrict the use of certain higher-global warming potential (GWP) HFCs in aerosols, foams, and refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump products and equipment. The proposed rule would prohibit the manufacture and import of products containing restricted HFCs by January 1, 2025, in most cases, and would prohibit the sale, distribution, and export of products containing restricted HFCs a year later, which in most cases would be January 1, 2026.
The EPA Administrator, Michael S. Regan, signed the following proposed rule on 12/07/22, and it was published in the Federal Register (FR) on 12/15/2022. The proposed rule is linked below and can also be found on Regulations.gov in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2021-0643.
Additional information on the proposed rule:
Additional information about the HFC Phasedown Program and EPA’s efforts to protect our climate by reducing the use of HFCs can also be found at: