NRDC: Replacing Damaging HFCs a Key Move on Climate Change

WASHINGTON (July 2, 2015) – The Environmental Protection Agency today finalized standards setting deadlines to end certain uses of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, powerful heat-trapping gases that significantly contribute to climate change, because safer, climate-friendlier alternatives now exist.

The EPA’s move affects HFCs used in motor vehicle air conditioning, retail food refrigeration and vending machines, aerosols, and foam blowing. The agency proposed the standards a year ago and finalized them today.

The following is a statement from David Doniger, director of the Climate and Clean Air Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“The EPA’s welcome move is another critical step to cut the heat-trapping pollution that drives dangerous climate change. With safer coolants, foam-blowing agents, and aerosol propellants already on the market, it’s time to stop using the most damaging HFCs. The benefits are clear: we can help curb dangerous climate warming, drive innovation in energy efficiency, and leave a better world for our children.

“Today’s action is well-timed to help push for faster phase-down of HFCs in Montreal Protocol negotiations later this month.”