US environmental regulators extend comment period on chemical phase-down rules

The US environmental regulators are giving the public more time to comment on proposed rules for phasing down hydrofluorocarbons. These chemicals are powerful greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning.

This extension means the final rules for phasing down these chemicals will take longer to implement. Companies that use hydrofluorocarbons will have more time to adjust their plans, but it also delays the environmental benefits of the phase-down. The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 mandated this phase-down, aiming to cut production and consumption by 85% over 15 years.