Tecumseh Responds to U.S. EPA 2015 HFC Regulation Ruling
On August 8, 2017, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit vacated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program Rule 20 which phases-out HFC refrigerants. The word vacate suggests that Rule 20 is no longer valid, however, a rehearing request on the ruling was recently submitted by multiple third parties. If the court wishes to re-hear, the earliest that any decision will be made on the current HFC phase-out is late 2017. As such, all phase-out dates for commercial refrigeration product are still in effect until a decision is
made.
Does this change Tecumseh’s alternate refrigerant plans for North America?
No, this does not change Tecumseh’s position. The company has reviewed and agrees that Low GWP refrigerants, inclusive of hydrocarbon refrigerants, are the right solution for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and the environment. Tecumseh has and will continue to be an advocate of refrigerants that provide the best solution with respect to system energy efficiency and the environment.