New Refrigerant Management Rules Take Effect Soon
The USEPA has finalized two new rules concerning ozone-depleting substances (ODS) that are the latest in a series of actions aimed at reducing emissions of ODSs. In the first rule, the EPA has identified safer and more environmentally friendly refrigerants for industrial equipment. The impacts of this rule will likely be noticed more when purchasing or replacing equipment. The second rule impacts equipment containing ≥50 pounds of refrigerant and will impact the refrigeration repair industry. Both rules are scheduled to be effective on January 1, 2017.
Under Section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, EPA is:
Under Section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA), Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, EPA is:
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Under Section 608 of the CAA, EPA is expanding the refrigerant management program and extending the regulations to non-ozone depleting substitutes such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other substitutes. This action lowers the leak rate at which large air conditioning and refrigeration appliances must be repaired and incorporates industry best practices such as verifying repairs and conducting regular leak inspections on appliances. Significant changes include:
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More information can be found at the following USEPA links:
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