Va. Air Pollution Control Board approves HFC phase-out 

During its regular quarterly meeting April 23, the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board unanimously approved a final regulation prohibiting the use of certain hydrofluorocarbons in specific uses.

Approved by the Board following Virginia Department of Environmental Quality staff recommendations, public comment and discussion, the regulation will become effective June 1. The production and use of HFCs in the Commonwealth of Virginia, in most applications, must be discontinued by Jan. 1, 2022.

HFCs are used in the manufacture of some foam products, aerosols, refrigerants, aerosols and fire extinguishers, and can have a significant impact on global warming in part due to their long presence in the atmosphere before breaking down. The regulation was developed with participation and support of a stakeholder workgroup pursuant to legislation passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020 in advance of federal requirements to phase out these compounds.

“We are pleased to become the 10th state, and the first southern state, to phase out HFCs, which is necessary to limit the Commonwealth’s contributions to climate change,” said DEQ Director David Paylor. “This regulation continues the significant progress Virginia has already made – and continues to make – to become a more environmentally protective, climate-friendly state.”

For details, visit http://www.DEQ.Virginia.gov.