EPA Announces Enforcement Action to Control Imports of Hydrofluorocarbons

Efforts to Support National Commitments on Climate Change

WASHINGTON – Today, United States Environmental Protection AgencyThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced several enforcement actions that support national and international goals to reduce the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in our fight against climate change. These civil sanctions include three landmark settlements with importers of HFCs that failed to report imported quantities in violation of the Clean Air Act’s (CAA) Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program: Artsen Chemical America, LLC ($247,601 fine). USA), Harp USA, Inc. ($275,000). fine) and IGas (a fine of $382,473). The EPA is actively pursuing similar action against several other importers that have not reported their HFCs.

The EPA also recently issued the first Notices of Infringement (NOV) under the U.S. Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act) to alleged infringers who imported controlled substances without the necessary permits. Under the AIM Act, importers are required to use HFC import quotas. Compliance with the permit system is critical to the success of the US HFC phase-out program. Illegal imports undermine the phase-out, disadvantage companies that follow the rules, and contribute to global warming.

“These NOVs demonstrate the EPA’s commitment to enforcing the U.S. Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020,” it said in a statement. said Larry Starfield, acting assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance.. “Furthermore, settlements with HFC importers under our Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Program recognize that accurate data is essential for sound climate change policymaking.”

Stopping illegal imports of HFCs is a top priority for a federal multi-agency task force that includes the Environmental Protection Agency and US Customs and Border Protection. In fiscal year 2022, the task force prevented more than 889,000 metric tons of illegal HFC imports of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to the release of carbon dioxide by providing electricity to 173,000 homes for a year.

HFCs are widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. HFCs emitted into the atmosphere can impact the climate thousands of times more than carbon dioxide. The implementation of the greenhouse gas reporting program demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to addressing the HFC challenge and protecting our climate. The United States agreed under the bipartisan AIM Act to phase down production and consumption of HFCs by 85% by 2036, in line with the international HFC phase-down outlined in the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Global efforts to phase out HFCs are expected to avoid 0.5°C global warming by 2100. AIM Law.

Further information on settlements and outstanding NOVs can be found at: Enforcement of the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reporting Program: HFC Importers | US Environmental Protection Agency. For more information on NOV under the AIM Act, visit: Enforcement of the US Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 | US Environmental Protection Agency.

Learn more about the GHG Reporting Program here: GHG Reporting Program. For more information on EPA’s response to HFCs, visit: Protecting Our Climate by Reducing HFC Use.

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