EPA’s Proposed Change to Refrigerant Management Program — Your Assistance Requested

November 2, 2018

In November of 2016 the EPA updated the Section 608 Refrigerant Management program. This ruling phased in changes over a three-year period. On October 1, 2018 the EPA issued a new ruling that will revise refrigerant regulations, again.

One significant change is to rescind the refrigerant management requirements of subpart F, (sales restriction) from substitute refrigerants. The removal of this sales restriction would enable anyone (do-it-yourselfers “DIY”), to purchase substitute refrigerants. If these refrigerants could be purchased by anyone, they could also be sold by anyone, including big box retailers and online stores. This change would be detrimental for manufacturers, wholesalers and contractors.

The HVACR industry collaborated with the EPA for two years, to modernize the Section 608 Refrigerant Management Program. While no regulation is perfect, this regulation has always been good for business and the environment, and we should voice our opinions to keep it that way. You can view the ruling and comment here.

Please take the time to submit a comment to the EPA letting them know that such a change could be harmful to the public at large. Allowing anyone to purchase substitute refrigerants could result in unqualified individuals working on equipment and handing refrigerant in an unsafe manner. Comments due no later than November 15, 2018.

COMMENT HERE
Related Articles
Registration is now open for two impactful labor relations events taking place consecutively in Las Vegas this October—designed to strengthen negotiation skills, improve labor-management collaboration, and advance our industry together. The back-to-back MCAA Collective Bargaining Conference and UA/MCAA Labor Relations Conference offer a unique opportunity to develop aligned strategies, share perspectives, and build stronger labor-management relationships across the mechanical industry.…
Have you wanted to start a local Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) committee in your area, but weren’t quite sure where to start? MCAA’s How to Start a Local WiMI Committee provides a comprehensive list of ideas and instructions to get you started. It's just one of MCAA’s educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership.…
The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.…
Get ready to be inspired, energized, and equipped for the future at the MSCA25 Annual Education Conference, taking place November 9–12, 2025, at the stunning Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Arizona. Don’t wait—register now and secure your place at the industry’s premier service contracting event!…
Load More...