The California Air Resources (CARB) Board will conduct a public hearing (likely remote) on December 10 at 9 a.m. Pacific time to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments that would ultimately phase down the use of HFCs in the state. The proposed amendments are part of the effort by CARB to reduce emissions of HFCs as required by Senate Bill (SB) 1383, which requires a 40 percent reduction in HFC emissions below 2013 levels by 2030.

Currently, the proposed rules include a GWP limit of 150 on new stationary refrigeration systems containing more than 50 pounds of refrigerant in new facilities starting January 1, 2022; company-wide emissions reduction targets for retail food companies by 2030; and a GWP limit of 750 for new stationary air conditioning systems starting January 1, 2023 and inclusion of a variance process. Additionally, some administrative changes are proposed for the purpose of enhancing clarity of the existing regulation. If adopted, these rules will be incorporated via amendments to the existing CARB HFC regulation.