Commentary

NRDC: Replacing Damaging HFCs a Key Move on Climate Change


WASHINGTON—(ENEWSPF)–July 2, 2015 – The Environmental Protection Agency today finalized standards setting deadlines to end certain uses of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, powerful heat-trapping gases that significantly contribute to climate change, because safer, climate-friendlier alternatives now exist.

The EPA’s move affects HFCs used in motor vehicle air conditioning, retail food refrigeration and vending machines, aerosols, and foam blowing. The agency proposed the standards a year ago and finalized them today.

The following is a statement from David Doniger, director of the Climate and Clean Air Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“The EPA’s welcome move is another critical step to cut the heat-trapping pollution that drives dangerous climate change. With safer coolants, foam-blowing agents, and aerosol propellants already on the market, it’s time to stop using the most damaging HFCs. The benefits are clear: we can help curb dangerous climate warming, drive innovation in energy efficiency, and leave a better world for our children.

“Today’s action is well-timed to help push for faster phase-down of HFCs in Montreal Protocol negotiations later this month.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 2 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world’s natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.

Source: www.nrdc.org

 


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