On November 9th, EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs held a stakeholder meeting to provide information and enable stakeholders to provide input as the Agency prepares for an upcoming regulatory action which the Agency intends to propose under subsection (h), “Management of Regulated Substances,” of the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act.
The AIM Act authorizes EPA to address hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in three main ways: phasing down HFC production and consumption, promulgating certain regulations for the purposes of maximizing reclamation and minimizing releases of HFCs and their substitutes from equipment, and facilitating the transition to next-generation technologies through sector-based restrictions. Among other provisions, subsection (h) directs EPA to establish certain requirements for management of certain HFCs and their substitutes. Specifically, subsection (h) directs the Agency to establish regulations to control, where appropriate, practices, processes, or activities regarding the servicing, repair, disposal, or installation of equipment, for purposes of maximizing the reclamation and minimizing the release of certain HFCs from equipment and ensuring the safety of technicians and consumers. Subsection (h) also provides for the Agency to consider options to increase opportunities for reclaiming HFCs used as refrigerants and potential approaches to coordinate regulations carrying out subsection (h) of the AIM Act with similar EPA regulations, such as the refrigerant management program established under Title VI of the Clean Air Act.
EPA indicated that it expects a proposed rule on the refrigeration sector is expected by summer of 2023. GCCA participated in the stakeholder meeting and will continue to closely monitor EPA’s steps to implement the AIM Act.
