The rule ensures essential health, defense, and technology operations while continuing ‘phasedown’ of climate-impacting chemicals.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule renewing limited access to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) for specific critical uses through 2030. This decision, part of the agency’s first mandatory five-year review of application-specific allowances, is intended to ensure essential sectors, including healthcare, defense, aerospace, and technology, can maintain operations where alternatives for the substances are not yet available.
Priority access applies to five uses: metered-dose inhalers, certain marine and trailer foams, semiconductor manufacturing processes, mission-critical military functions, and onboard aerospace fire suppression systems.
EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Air Aaron Szabo said the rule “is not just about giving essential sectors such as health, defense, and technology the ability to continue to operate at full capacity but ensuring we are fulfilling our core mission of protecting human health and the environment.“
He added, “As one of the many Americans who uses a metered dose inhaler every day, I understand the life-saving impact this will have. It also reaffirms our commitment to making America the AI capital of the world as we continue Powering the Great American Comeback at EPA.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Administrator Zeldin to receive God’s wisdom as he manages the Environmental Protection Agency.
- For Assistant Administrator Szabo to be discerning as he oversees the EPA’s Office for Air and Radiation.
Sources: Environmental Protection Agency
