Change of Listing Status for Certain Substitutes under the Significant New Alternatives Policy Progr

On July 2, 2015 EPA released a final rule on a change of listing status for certain substitutes including motor vehicle air conditioning systems for newly manufactured light-duty vehicles under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP). The EPA makes these status changes based on information showing that other substitutes are available for the same uses that pose lower risk overall to human health and the environment.

Specifics:

EPA is listing the status of HFC-134a from acceptable to unacceptable for use in air conditioning systems in newly manufactured passenger cars and light-duty trucks beginning in MY 2021. One exception to this rule is granted to narrowed use of HFC-134a in MVAC systems of newly manufactured passenger cars and light-duty trucks destined for use in countries that do not have infrastructure in place for servicing with other acceptable refrigerants. This narrowed use limit will be in place through MY 2025. Beginning in MY 2026, HFC-134a will be unacceptable for use in all newly manufactured light-duty vehicles.

EPA is also finalizing changes to the listing status from acceptable to unacceptable for use in newly manufactured light-duty motor vehicles beginning in MY 2017 of the following refrigerant blends:

1. SP34E

2. R-426A

3. R-416A

4. R-406A

5. R-414A (also known as HCFC Blend Xi or GHG-X4)

6. R-414B (also known as HCFC Blend Omicron)

7. HCFC Blend Delta (also known as Free Zone)

8. Freeze 12

9. GHG-X5

10. HCFC Blend Lambda (also known as GHG-HP)

The rule strengthened language that it will not impact existing credits under the light-duty standards.

For further information contact Margaret Sheppard, Stratospheric Protection Division, Office of Atmospheric Programs, Mail Code 6205J, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20460; telephone number (202) 343–9163; fax number (202) 343–2338, e-mail address: sheppard.margaret@epa.gov.

Docket ID No. EPA–HQ– OAR–2014–0198

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