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EPA proposes stricter R-22 Refrigerant Regulations |
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Wednesday, 14 January 2009 |
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 In order to protect
stratospheric ozone, EPA
issued a proposed rule to allocate allowances for consumption and sale or
distribution of air-conditioning and refrigeration products containing production
of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or blends containing one or both of these
substances, beginning in January 1 of 2010.
The proposed
“Adjustments to the Allowance System for Controlling HCFC Production, Import,
and Export” seems to allow EPA to go beyond the 75 percent reduction from 1996
levels.
The declaration says that after 2010, chemical manufacturers may still produce
R-22 to service existing equipment, but not for use in new equipment. As a
result, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system manufacturers
will only be able to use pre-existing supplies of R-22 to produce new air
conditioners and heat pumps. These existing supplies would include R-22
recovered, recycled, and/or reclaimed, rather than virgin R-22.
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