Refrigerant Regulations Update (2018)
Vacated EPA SNAP Rule 20 Allows R-404A for Refrigeration Equipment
Background on SNAP Rule 20
Refrigerant regulations have significantly impacted the industry. In 2015, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued SNAP Rule 20 to prohibit the use of certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) that were previously acceptable substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. Consequently, Rule 20 required refrigeration equipment manufacturers like Zero Zone to phase out specific refrigerants, including R-404A and R-507A.
Legal Challenge and Overturning of Rule 20
However, parties challenged Rule 20, contending that the EPA SNAP Program could not be used to phase out HFCs that did not deplete ozone. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned Rule 20, and despite an appeal, the court’s decision stood. As a result, on February 5, 2018, Rule 20 was vacated, allowing R-404A and R-507A to be used in new and retrofit refrigeration equipment once again.
Immediate Changes in Refrigerant Availability
Starting immediately, Zero Zone offers a variety of refrigerants, including R-404A and R-507A, for rack systems and remote display cases. Additionally, Zero Zone Hybrid™ cases can be ordered with either R-404A or R-448A. Hybrid™ cases utilizing R-404A will be available for shipment by April 1, 2018. Similarly, display cases using remote condensing units can be ordered with either R-404A or R-448A, with remote condensing units utilizing R-404A available for shipment by April 1, 2018.
Future Considerations for Refrigerant Regulations
This change does not phase out R-448A or any of the lower GWP refrigerants approved by SNAP. Customers may want to order R-448A or other lower GWP refrigerants in preparation for any future regulations. For example, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed legislation to implement SNAP Rule 20 in September 2018 for the state of California. It is possible that other states will make similar rulings. Therefore, lower GWP refrigerants may still be the best option for many customers. Customers need to evaluate which refrigerant will be best for their situation.
Contact Information
For further information, contact Zero Zone at 800-247-4496 and ask for our Department of Regulatory Compliance and Refrigeration Technology. This message is informational only, and customers should review national and local laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
By focusing on refrigerant regulations, this text aims to provide clarity on the changes and future considerations for customers in the refrigeration industry.