Mobile HVAC
EPA Proposes R-152a and CO2 AS Acceptable Refrigerants
By goHTSN Staff
Sep 26, 2006, 13:37

Notice of Proposed Rule [September 14, 2006]
Rule 14- Proposed Rule - Alternatives for the Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Sector
Effective Date: none - currently under proposal
Full Proposal Download: Print Version
Actual Fact Sheet Below

FACT SHEET: Proposed Rule - Listing of Substitutes in the Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Sector

Action

• EPA is proposing to list two substances, HFC-152a and CO 2 as acceptable alternatives with use conditions for motor vehicle air conditioning systems.
• This proposal would allow the use of two new alternatives to ozone depleting substances in the motor vehicle air conditioning sector and outline the conditions necessary for their safe use. The proposed substitutes are non ozone-depleting gases and consequently do not contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion.
• These new alternatives, when used with proper risk mitigation technologies, would reduce the impact of mobile air conditioners on the environment.

Background

• Under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program (Section 612 of the Clean Air Act), EPA reviews alternatives to Class I and Class II ozone depleting substances (ODS) and approves use of alternatives which reduce the overall risk to public health and the environment.
• The European Union has proposed and is expected to ban the use of HFC-134a and other fluorinated gases in a variety of applications. By the end of the decade, car manufacturers in the European market may have to move to the new alternatives proposed in this action. In response, U.S. car manufacturers are developing systems using these new alternative refrigerants as well.
• If auto manufacturers chose to adopt these technologies, they would be required to install safety devices to mitigate risks of fire or over-exposure to the refrigerant in the event of an accidental release during servicing or vehicle operation.
• Currently, CO2 is an acceptable alternative under the SNAP program. This action will amend the previous SNAP acceptability of CO 2 to require manufacturers to install the necessary safety devices.

How to Comment

• EPA will accept comments on this proposed rule for 30 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register .
• All comments should be identified by Docket No. OAR-2004-0488
• Comments may be submitted by one of the following methods:
  • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments.
  • Email: A-and-R-Docket@epa.gov
  • Fax: (202) 566-1741
  • U.S. Mail: Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), Mailcode 6102T, Attention Docket ID No. OAR-2004-0488, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW , Washington , DC 20460
• Hand Delivery or Courier: Deliver your comments to EPA Air Docket Public Reading Room, Room B102, EPA West Building, 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20004. Such deliveries are only accepted during the Docket’s normal hours of operation, and special arrangements should be made for deliveries of boxed information.
• Instructions: Direct your comments to Docket ID No. OAR-2004-0488.
• Additional information on motor vehicle air conditioning refrigerants can be found at the following address: http://epa.gov/ozone/snap/refrigerants/index.html