ACCA steps in over 608 card “confusion”
26th October 2018
USA: The air conditioning contractors’ group ACCA has sought to allay what it sees as confusion over stories that the EPA is proposing to let non-certified individuals purchase refrigerants.
In an email to its 4000 company members, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America points out that the EPA has not proposed removing the sales restriction on refrigerants. The group insists the EPA is merely requesting public comments on whether individuals should be required to hold a Section 608 card to purchase, handle, and charge/recover non-ozone depleting refrigerants.
The ACCA says the EPA is reviewing its ability to regulate HFC and other refrigerants in the light of last year’s court case brought by Mexichem and others that the EPA could not “order the replacement of substances that are not ozone depleting but that contribute to climate change.”
The US EPA is looking to roll back its rules relating to HFC leak checking and is seeking comment on other rules on refrigerant recovery and refrigerant handling. The EPA’s Refrigerant Management proposed rule would rescind Obama-era regulations to control leaks and the venting of HFC refrigerants from refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. This proposal has also requested public comment on rescinding other provisions that were extended to HFCs.
The ACCA has also hit back at suggestions that it had not been actively involved in discussions with the EPA and did not attend the EPA’s public meeting on the issues last week.
“ACCA has been involved in the EPA’s refrigerant updates and Section 608 test updates for more than 2 years,” it says in a statement. “Additionally, ACCA’s professional government relations staff does not need to attend public meetings, like the Oct 16 meeting, because we meet directly with the EPA Administrator’s staff and the professionals who write these proposals.
“ACCA has been working with EPA officials since 2017 when it was clear that they would need to update refrigerant regulations to comply with the Mexichem ruling. Additionally, ACCA will be submitting comments to the EPA requesting that the EPA maintain the sales restriction of refrigerants to those who are Section 608 certified,” it added.
Related stories:
EPA looks to rescind HFC leak controls – 20 September 2018
USA: The US Environmental Protection Agency is looking to roll back its rules relating to HFC leak checking and is seeking comment on other rules on refrigerant recovery and refrigerant handling. Read more…
US court rejects HFC bans – 9 August 2017
USA: The US EPA’s plans to reduce the use of high GWP refrigerants have been derailed after a federal court overturned usage bans introduced in 2015. Read more…
