ACCA comments on how the rule will affect HVACR contractors
The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act of 2020, which was signed into law by President Trump last December, mandates the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reduce production and consumption of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years. The intended goal of the law is to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The phasedown includes a reduction in production and consumption of commonly used HFC refrigerants like R-410A and R-32, which have a high GWP. On September 23, 2021, EPA published the first finalized rule under the AIM Act, which sets forth baseline allowance allocations for companies that produce and import HFCs. These figures will serve as the initial reference point for periodic reductions that will occur between now and 2036. In addition, the rule establishes a framework for companies to trade allowances, implements tracking and enforcement methodologies, and cements a ban on non-refillable cylinders for HFCs, which will be enforced in two phases (between January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2027).