Regulatory Actions

Here is a list of current federal regulations governing refrigerants in the U.S., including the laws and regulations that impact their production, usage, and disposal. These federal regulations aim to reduce the environmental and climate impact of refrigerants while ensuring proper handling, disposal, and adoption of alternatives with lower global warming potential (GWP).

Clean Air Act (CAA) - Section 608

- The Clean Air Act regulates the emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including refrigerants. Section 608 focuses on refrigerant handling and requires technicians to be certified to purchase or handle refrigerants. It also mandates leak repair and reporting, refrigerant recovery, and recycling practices.

- Regulated substances: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act (2020)

- The AIM Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years. This law aligns the U.S. with global efforts to reduce HFCs under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

- Regulated substances: HFCs (potent greenhouse gases).

Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program

- The EPA’s SNAP program identifies and evaluates alternatives to ODS and high-GWP refrigerants under the CAA. It regulates which refrigerants can be used in specific sectors, such as refrigeration and air conditioning, based on their environmental and health impacts.

- Regulated substances: HFCs and other refrigerant alternatives.

Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (2016)

- While not a direct U.S. law, the U.S. is a signatory to this amendment, which requires a phasedown of HFCs globally. This international agreement sets reduction targets that the U.S. implements through the AIM Act.

- Regulated substances: HFCs.

National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP)

- Under the Clean Air Act, NESHAP rules control emissions of hazardous air pollutants, including ODS. It includes provisions for refrigerants in specific sectors such as large refrigeration systems and industrial processes.

Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Phaseout Schedule

- Mandated by the AIM Act, the HFC phasedown follows a specific timeline for reducing the production and consumption of HFCs. Key reductions began in 2022, and the goal is an 85% reduction by 2036.

Title VI of the Clean Air Act: Stratospheric Ozone Protection

- This section of the Clean Air Act covers regulations on ozone-depleting substances, primarily focusing on HCFCs and CFCs. It includes rules on production, import, and export, as well as requirements for servicing and retiring equipment using ODS.

EPA Refrigerant Management Regulations (Revised 2016)

- Under the 2016 update, the EPA expanded Section 608 regulations to include HFCs in addition to CFCs and HCFCs. These regulations govern refrigerant handling, leak repair, technician certification, and refrigerant recovery and recycling.

Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Conservation Standards

- The DOE sets energy efficiency standards for HVAC and refrigeration equipment, which indirectly regulate refrigerant usage by requiring manufacturers to adopt more efficient and often low-GWP refrigerants in compliant equipment.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Regulations

- OSHA sets regulations for the safe handling of refrigerants, including guidelines for technicians working with hazardous refrigerants and requirements for proper training and safety equipment.

Market Incentives

Below is a list of current state-level market incentives designed to subsidize the adoption of sustainable refrigerants, support the transition to lower-GWP technologies, and prime demand for innovative solutions in HVAC systems. These programs are paving the way for industry-wide transformation and demonstrate how state-led efforts can complement federal actions. These state-level incentives highlight the importance of localized efforts to foster market readiness for sustainable refrigerants and emerging HVAC technologies. Collectively, they provide a roadmap for scaling climate solutions that align with REEF's mission.

California

California TECH (Technology and Equipment for Clean Heating) Initiative

- Provides incentives for adopting energy-efficient, low-GWP heating and cooling systems.

- Focuses on residential and commercial sectors, with additional support for low-income households.

- Includes funding to support refrigerant recovery and lifecycle management as part of HVAC upgrades.

California’s Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Emissions Reduction Program

- Incentives for transitioning to ultra-low-GWP refrigerants in new equipment.

- Supports retrofits of existing systems to reduce HFC emissions.

Food Production Investment Program (FPIP)

- Provides grants for upgrading refrigeration systems in food processing and cold storage facilities to adopt sustainable refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies.

New York

NY Clean Heat Program

- Offers rebates for adopting heat pumps using climate-friendly refrigerants.

- Promotes high-performance, low-carbon HVAC systems in residential and small commercial buildings.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

- Supports innovation and commercialization of natural refrigerant technologies.

- Offers funding for pilot projects showcasing sustainable refrigerant solutions in commercial applications.

Vermont

Efficiency Vermont – Custom Incentive Programs

- Incentivizes commercial HVAC upgrades that include low-GWP refrigerants.

- Provides technical support for businesses transitioning to energy-efficient refrigeration systems.

Massachusetts

Mass Save Heat Pump Incentives

- Rebates for heat pumps utilizing climate-friendly refrigerants.

- Provides educational resources for contractors and consumers on sustainable HVAC technologies.

Colorado  

Clean Energy Plan for HVAC and Refrigerants

- Pilot programs supporting low-GWP refrigerant adoption in commercial and industrial facilities.

- Incentives for upgrading refrigeration systems in food retail and cold storage sectors.

Washington State

Clean Buildings Performance Standard

- Encourages energy efficiency retrofits that include transitioning to sustainable refrigerants.

- Offers grants and rebates for compliance with refrigerant management requirements.

Oregon

Energy Trust of Oregon – Refrigeration Upgrades Program

- Incentives for transitioning to energy-efficient refrigeration systems with low-GWP refrigerants.

- Focus on grocery stores, food processors, and warehouses.

Hawaii

Hawaii Energy – Business Energy Efficiency Programs

- Provides financial incentives for upgrading refrigeration systems to use natural refrigerants.

- Focused on reducing GHG emissions from food storage and hospitality sectors.