The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed changes to its hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant policy that will increase the number of approved alternatives and eliminate some HFCs from use.

The proposed rule under the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program expands the list of acceptable substitutes, lists unacceptable substitutes, and changes the status of a number of substitutes that were previously listed as acceptable, based on information showing that other substitutes are available for the same uses that pose lower risk overall to human health and the environment. The intended effect of the SNAP program is to promote a smooth transition to safer alternatives.

For more information, visit www.epa.gov/snap/snap-regulations.