This article is a part of my Refrigerant Roundup series which appears monthly.
March 2021 contained several important updates in the refrigerant world that you should know about, including the proposed HFC phasedown being sent to the OIRA for review; new anti-dumping duties on R-32; and more.
Let’s get started. #RefrigerantRoundup
Refrigerant in the News
- Proposed HFC phasedown sent to OMB for review —
The first major regulatory program of the AIM Act—the allowance allocation and trading program—is moving fast. Get this: On March 25, 2021, a proposed rule for the program was sent to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), which is part of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
So, technically, it’s now pending
EO 12866 Regulatory Review. Per EO 12866, an OIRA review of a rule must be done within 90 calendar days.
So, we’re right on track for the AIM Act’s allowance allocation program to heat up amid the beginning of cooling season: spring or early summer. It seems.
- Kigali Amendment being fast-tracked… But will it be ratified? —
On a similar note, the Kigali Amendment is being fast-tracked. On March 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of State sent the White House a “transmittal package” that would be eventually sent to the Senate for advice and consent to ratify Kigali, according to Lexology.com.
Politico
characterizes winning the necessary votes for ratification as
tricky. Thus enters my question: Will it be ratified? There’s significant lobbying ongoing currently by HVAC manufacturers and environmental groups for it to be.
- New support and resources for A2Ls announced by various organizations —
The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI)
published a new research report on A2Ls with Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the Firefighter Safety Research Institute (FSRI).
In addition, the Spanish refrigeration association AEFYT
created a new working group for A2L refrigerants. Finally, the ESCO Institute is
now offering a Low GWP Refrigerant Safety training and certification program.
- U.S. Department of Commerce finalizes anti-dumping duties on R-32 —
With so much focus on the AIM Act, you might have not heard about the U.S. Department of Commerce finalizing anti-dumping duties on R-32 in March.
Specifically, on March 11, 2021, the Commerce published its affirmative final determination in less-than-fair-value (LTFV) investigation on R-32 from China. You can read the final notice at
86 FR 13886.
- Delaware publishes new HFC regulations —
On March 1, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) published new HFC regulations that go into effect in Sept. and create a phase-down of HFCs. This move by Delaware adds on to the numerous states that already have HFC regulations.
- Skill shortage hinders global HVAC market growth —
New research from Guidehouse Insights, and reported by the
Environment and Energy Leader here, suggests that the global HVAC market will reach $296.8 billion in 2030
(up from $218.8 billion in 2021).
However, this research states that a skill shortage
(e.g., lack of system knowledge to training) from numerous different facets will hamper growth.
For those in the HVACR industry, this story reminds us of the responsibility to teach the youth about the opportunities that exist for those who choose the skilled trades as a career path, particularly HVAC.
—
Well, that concludes the Refrigerant Roundup for March 2021. As always, thanks for reading.
I cover and curate crucial HVACR & refrigerant news and insights around the globe, 365. That’s #Refrigerant365.
Follow me across the web… ⤵️
Instagram 👉
: @refrigerant365
Twitter 👉
: @Eliza3eth
Stay tuned… thanks!!
