Hydrofluoroolefins

The Trump administration is reported to be planning to restore compliance credits for US automakers that could encourage greater use of low GWP refrigerant R1234yf in car ac systems.

Representatives from 22 US conservative groups have signed a letter urging President Trump not to submit the Kigali Amendment to phase down HFCs to the Senate for ratification.

Refrigerant manufacturers Chemours and Honeywell and green group NRDC have petitioned the US Supreme Court to review the DC Circuit Court of Appeals decision to block EPA bans on HFCs.

A “natural” refrigerants support group has launched a petition calling for a faster revision of codes and standards to allow for greater use of low-GWP refrigerants in commercial refrigeration.

The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which will phase down HFC consumption in developed countries by 85% by 2036 (compared to a 2011-2013 baseline period), will enter into force on 1 January 2019.

EPA GreenChill webinars on natural refrigerants could be affected.

A number of common refrigerants, including R134a, R410A and R407C, will be banned from use in new chillers in the USA from January 1, 2024.

The agency’s extension of Section 608 to HFCs also applies to HFOs.