The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is planning to include a ban on the retail sale of R-134a refrigerant as part of its implementation of legislation (A. B. 32) aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). The sales ban is one of two items proposed to be included on the list of "discreet early action measures" that A.B. 32 requires to be finalized. The other proposed measure is a low-carbon fuel standard that would reduce carbon intensity of transportation fuels by 10% by the year 2020.
According to CARB, achieving the legislative goals of reducing CHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 will require those reductions to come from a wide range of sources-transportation, building and appliances and utilities. The bill also requires CARB to develop regulations that identify opportunities for reductions from all verifiable and enforceable voluntary actions.
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Automotive Refrigeration Products Institute (ARPI) have told CARB a retail sales ban on R-134a would achieve only a minuscule reduction in greenhouse gases, at a high cost to car owners who would be forced to pay significantly more for vehicle service due to the fact that they no longer could work on their air conditioners themselves.
A final decision on whether the sales ban will be included in the list of early measures could be made by CARB in late April. If it is included, regulations for implementing the ban could be finalized in 2008 or 2009, to be effective in 2010.
Copyright Hearst Business Publishing Mar 2007
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved
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