EPA Signs Two Rules to Further Protect Ozone Layer
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has
announced two final rules that will further cut ozone-depleting
pollutants, protecting the Earth’s ozone layer and reducing harmful
greenhouse gases.
The rules reduce the availability and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),
which are primarily used as refrigerants and harm the ozone layer. A
diminished ozone layer allows more radiation to reach the Earth’s
surface, leading to serious health effects, such as skin cancer,
cataracts, and weakened immune systems.
The first rule prohibits the use of specific HCFCs to manufacture new
air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment beginning in 2010, while
allowing limited HCFC use to service existing equipment. The second rule
prohibits the sale, distribution, and import of air-conditioning and
refrigeration appliances and their components containing certain HCFCs
that are manufactured or imported after January 1, 2010. The rulemakings
protect the ozone layer by decreasing the availability of these
compounds as well as the demand for newly-produced equipment containing
HCFCs.
These rules advance U.S. compliance under the Clean Air Act and the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
More information on the two rules:
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/rulesoverview.html
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