Group will argue for risk-focused PFAS policies
21st July 2026
USA: The Sustainable PFAS Action Network (SPAN), a US coalition advocating for what it calls science-based, risk-focused PFAS policies, has formed a working group to stress the importance of refrigerants.
SPAN’s Refrigerant Working Group is said to be focused on “advancing practical, science-based PFAS policies” that recognise the essential role refrigerants play in everyday life while meeting global climate commitments.
The announcement by SPAN states: “The working group will bring together key stakeholders, technical experts, and industry leaders to support durable PFAS policy that acknowledges the importance of refrigerants, promotes accurate public understanding of the science, and ensures policymakers recognize refrigerants as a critical essential use.”
Established in 2021, SPAN’s 11 coalition members include manufacturers, refrigerant producers Arkema and Daikin, and industry groups AHRI, HARDI and the Semiconductor Industry Association.
“Refrigerants are fundamental to modern society and global climate progress,” commented Kevin Fay, SPAN’s executive director. “From food preservation and healthcare to semiconductors, transportation, and data centres, refrigerants support indispensable technologies that support both public health and economic growth. Policymakers must ensure PFAS laws are carefully crafted to recognise these essential uses while focusing policy efforts where actual risk exists.”
While some US state laws and advocacy campaigns broadly characterise refrigerants as PFAS, the US Environmental Protection Agency has not classified most refrigerants as PFAS under its working definitions and regulatory frameworks. SPAN says it believes policymakers should rely on sound science and risk-based analysis rather than broad categorisations that may unintentionally undermine climate and economic objectives.
“Poorly designed refrigerant restrictions could create serious unintended consequences for consumers and the economy,” Fay said. “Global environmental agreements depend on continued access to critical refrigerants. Effective policy must balance environmental protection with technological reality and essential societal needs.”
