EPA Issues Final Rule to Phase-Down HFC Emissions
In September, the EPA issued a final rule to phase down production and consumption of hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) – a powerful greenhouse gas that is used in a wide range of industrial processes and consumer products. When fully implemented, the final rule will reduce U.S. production and consumption of HFCs by 85 percent over 15 years.   The EPA released the final rule in response to legislation passed during the Trump Administration that mandated HFC reductions, but also established exempted allocations for essential uses, including medical uses.

HFCs are used as propellants in a wide range of metered-dose inhaler products used to treat asthma, COPD and other respiratory conditions. The ATS has closely followed the EPA’s development of the rule and met with EPA staff advocates for appropriate allocation of HFCs for continued use in metered-dose inhalers.