The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an Enforcement Alert as part of its ongoing efforts under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act to phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The alert focuses on common compliance issues related to the importation of bulk HFCs and highlights recent civil and criminal enforcement actions taken by the agency.
HFCs are highly potent greenhouse gases, often used in refrigeration and air conditioning, with a global warming potential far exceeding that of carbon dioxide. The EPA's actions aim to address the climate crisis by ensuring companies adhere to the legal requirements and prevent potential violations. The AIM Act mandates an 85% phasedown of HFCs from baseline levels by 2036, aligning with the U.S. commitment to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.
EPA’s Assistant Administrator, David M. Uhlmann, emphasized the importance of this effort in mitigating climate change: “The urgency of the climate crisis continues to accelerate. The Biden-Harris administration is committed to meeting our goals to phasedown HFCs, which contribute dramatically to near-term climate change, so that our children and grandchildren can have a sustainable future."
In fiscal year 2024, the EPA resolved claims of unlawful HFC imports through nine civil settlements, preventing HFC releases equivalent to over 24 thousand metric tons of CO2 emissions. Five companies, including Clean Venture, Inc., and HVAC Services, will pay $115,551 in civil penalties for violations of the AIM Act.
The EPA’s Enforcement Alert aims to guide companies in complying with HFC phasedown regulations and maintaining a level playing field for the industry, helping to reduce the global temperature by up to 0.5 degrees Celsius.
For more information, visit
EPA's website.
