The draft American Clean Energy and security Act 2009 maintains that all HFCs, including 134a, 32 and HFO-1234yf will be scheduled US draft Act maintains HFC phase downfor tighter production, exports/imports controls as well as a gradual phase down to 15% of current levels by 2038. Additional energy efficiency measures may enhance uptake of natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons.
Presented on Tuesday by the US House Energy and Commerce Committee, the draft American Clean Energy and security Act 2009 is the first set of concrete nationwide measures to help the US position as a key world player in fighting climate change. Though weak, it does include provisions regarding the phase down of HFCs.
HFC phase down schedule
According to the draft Act, the regulation and phase down of all HFCs would now fall under the scope of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), like the case of substances that deplete the ozone layer.
All HFCs, including 134a, 32 and HFO-1234yf will now be treated as class II, group II substances, which are scheduled for a gradual phase down, tighter production as well as exports/imports controls. More specifically, as of 1 January 2012, it will be forbidden to produce, export or import any class II, group II substance without holding one consumption allowance or offset credit for every CO2equivalent ton of the substance. The baseline reduction percentage will be calculated on the basis of calendar years 2004, 2005 and 2006 consumption and import averages. According to the phase down schedule, about half of the amount of such substances compared to the baseline levels will be allowed in 2027, while eventually only 15% of baseline level will be allowed for consumption in 2038.
Energy efficiency measures
The draft proposes several measures to increase energy efficiency. Federal training and funding assistance will be provided to states that adopt advanced building efficiency codes. Funding will also be allowed for retrofitting commercial and residential buildings to meet better efficiency standards.
The document also proposes tax rebates for low-income families who live in pre-1976 manufactured homes to purchase Energy Star-rated manufactured homes. It also improves the current US process to set energy efficiency standards along with providing financial incentives for retailers who sell large amounts of “Best-in-Class” appliances. Finally, the draft creates a programme to allow each state energy office to establish a State Energy and Environment Development (SEED) Fund which should serve for clean energy and efficiency projects.
About the draft Act
As a means to create millions of green jobs for US citizens, the draft American Clean Energy and security Act 2009, co-signed by Chairmen Waxman and Markey, outlines comprehensible steps for the US to reduce their energy dependency, expenditure and related CO2 emissions. The draft focuses on clean energy, energy efficiency, reducing global warming pollution and a transition to a clean energy economy.
