FLUOROCARBON INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTES $158 BILLION TO U.S. ECONOMY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy (Alliance), an industry coalition, today released a report detailing that the U.S. fluorocarbon industry’s total annual sale of goods and services amounts to $158 billion.   

“The role of fluorocarbons in both stratospheric ozone protection and global climate change has generated a need for governments, policymakers, and scientists to understand the scope of the industry, usage patterns, business sector volumes, and their value to society,” stated Dave Stirpe, Alliance Executive Director. 

The products analyzed by the study include hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and the products that contain or are manufactured with the compounds such as air conditioning, refrigeration, foam insulation, and metered dose inhalers.  The value to the U.S. economy is rounded out by the value of the wholesale, installation, and maintenance activities – as well as recovery, recycling, reclamation, and destruction of used refrigerants and foam blowing agents.

“These compounds and the products utilizing HCFCs and HFCs contribute greatly to the quality of life while at the same time minimizing impacts on the stratospheric ozone layer and the climate,” stated Stirpe.  “Over the years, industry has improved technology in food-preserving refrigeration, air conditioning in buildings and motor vehicles, insulation systems, and other products.  Businesses are working to make transitions to compounds with more environmental protection while continuing the important attributes contained in fluorocarbons such as energy efficiency, low toxicity, and non-flammability,” Stirpe said. 

The 39-page study, written by Joseph M. Steed, JMS Consulting, uses public data and industry information to assess the broadly-defined US fluorocarbon industry.  A copy of the study is available on the Alliance website at www.alliancepolicy.org.

 

For 32 years the Alliance has coordinated industry participation in the development of responsible international and U.S. government policies regarding ozone protection and climate change.  It is composed of manufacturers and businesses that rely on fluorocarbons.

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Dave Stirpe
Executive Director
Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy
2111 Wilson Blvd., 8th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201

phone: (703) 243-0344

email: alliance98@aol.com
website: www.alliancepolicy.org

R-22 Update

Friday, January 27, 2012

There has been much recent discussion regarding the market for HCFC-22 in 2012, as the EPA works to finalize its allocation and production rights for 2012-2014. Here are some basic facts HARDI wanted to communicate to our membership.

1.) There is an ongoing EPA rulemaking concerning the allocation of refrigerants, including R-22 for 2012-2014. The EPA has suggested a reduction of allocation rights of R-22 between 11% and 47% in each year (2012-2014). EPA’s proposed reduction was not unexpected.

2.) While the rulemaking process is underway, it is illegal for a company to produce or import refrigerant into the United States. The EPA therefore must send out a “non-enforcement” letter, which allows companies to legally produce or import refrigerant. This letter was expected by many companies to arrive the first week of January; however it was delayed until Friday, January 20. Thereby 15 work days had passed where no refrigeration production or importation occurred.

3.) The EPA's "non-enforcement" letter called for a 17% reduction from the original R-22 baseline, or a 45% reduction off of the 2011 allocation. In 2011 the total R-22 allocation was approximately 100 million pounds. Currently manufacturers and producers are operating under guidance that only 55 million pounds will be approved in 2012. If the finalized rule calls for less than a 45% reduction, a manufacturer/producer could produce and import up to their allocated amount.

4.) From 2005-2010 (2011 data is not yet available), only 77% of Consumption Allowances for HCFC-22 were used. These figures along with comment from stakeholders to the EPA, regarding the oversupply of R-22 in the marketplace, have led EPA to consider a more aggressive phasedown.

5.) In 2011, EPA sought comment from the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy, of which HARDI and all major refrigerant producers are members, regarding a suggestion for a more aggressive reduction in R-22. The Alliance formally submitted a suggestion for a 20% reduction in Consumption Allowances.

US Government Successful Prosecution of HCFC-22 Smugglers

ALLIANCE COMMENDS US GOVERNMENT FOR
SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION AND SENTENCING OF HCFC-22 SMUGGLERS

For more information about this and other HCFC, CFC and HFC regulations call RemTec today!

http://www.remtec.net/