The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy has offered its support for the negotiation of an amendment to the Montreal Protocol to include HFCs as part of it.

“We are ready to work to ensure the avoidance of rapid global growth scenarios in the use of HFCs and the development and implementation of substitute technologies that allow for a manageable transition around the globe,” said Kevin Fay, executive director of the alliance.

The announcement relates to the so-called North American Amendment (NAA) which was originally proposed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2010. The measure would include HFCs under the mechanisms of the protocol and mandate a gradual phasedown in their use. Upon adoption of this amendment, countries which are parties to the Montreal Protocol would be obligated to adopt their own phase down plans at the national level. While the organization has previously acknowledged the NAA, it has never specifically endorsed its negotiation and completion. It does so now.

The alliance maintained that details of the plan must be addressed relating to the phasedown schedule, incentives for stakeholders to adopt alternatives, and mechanisms to encourage the ratification of the amendment by developing countries whose use of HFCs is increasing.

On Board

In another announcement from the alliance, members elected Robert Wilkins of Danfoss to succeed the immediate past chair, Phil Lapin of Falcon Safety Products. Members also chose their 2014 board of directors, officers, and committee chairs.

They are:

John Hurst, Lennox International, Vice-Chair

John Mandyck, Carrier, Secretary

William McQuade, Johnson Controls and York, Treasurer

Dave Stirpe, Honeywell, International Chair

Nanette Lockwood, Ingersoll Rand and Trane, Government Relations Chair

Steve Mandracchia, Hudson Technologies, Legal Chair

Matt Ritter, Arkema, Communications Chair

Mack McFarland, DuPont, Science Advisor

The board named Fay to serve as executive director and counsel, and Stephen Van Maren as director to replace Dave Stirpe, the former executive director. May Wall will continue to serve as legal counsel.

“2014 will likely be a critical year for addressing the climate impact of HFCs,” Wilkins predicted. “There is growing, broad-based support for a planned, orderly phasedown of HFCs while simultaneously recognizing the societal benefits of technologies such as refrigeration and air conditioning. There are large issues at the intersection of those trends. Proactive industry engagement and consensus are vital for progress, and I am pleased that the alliance is playing a leading role.”

The alliance is a coalition of businesses and associations that use HCFCs and HFCs. It represents its members in domestic and international discussions regarding atmospheric protection and climate change mitigation. It supports policies which allow its members to be global partners in efforts to preserve the natural environment, while balancing near-term human and economic needs.