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California targets phase-out of HFC-134a in MAC |
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In its next public workshop, the California Air Resources Board will discuss measures to restrict the use of R134a in Mobile Air Conditioning, including a ban on do-it-yourself servicing, additional leak tests, and an early replacement with alternatives, such as CO2 (R744).
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2008-01-04
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The first public workshop to discuss concepts for reducing the global warming impact of Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) refrigerants will mostly focus on the ban of do-it-yourself servicing of HFC-134a systems as from 2010 on. Already adopted by California's Air Resources (CARB) Board last October, the use restriction of R134a has been confirmed as a priority under California's ambitious strategy AB 32 that targets a state-wide reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
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The CARB workshop, to be held on 5 February, will also discuss other proposed early action measures aiming at a phase-out of HFC-134a. More specifically, it will provide an overview of all CARB activities to date and explore regulatory concepts to achieve a maximum reduction in HFC emissions with technically feasible and cost-effective alternatives. Among the proposed replacements for R134a features CO2 (R744).
Adopted & Proposed Early Action Measures
Issues discussed at the CARB meeting include:
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- Reduction of HFC-134a from Do-it-Yourself MAC Servicing: California will restrict the use of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants for non-professional recharging of leaking MAC systems. To eliminate unnecessary releases of HFC-134a, CARB considers a restriction on the sales of small refrigerant cans.
- Low-GWP Refrigerants for new MAC: Overall target is the phase-out of HFC-134a in all vehicle classes (heavy- and light-duty, on- and off-road) in favour of alternatives with better lifecycle climate performance (LCCP). CO2 (R744) is currently evaluated as a viable option. California estimates that a universal phase-out of HFC-134a in new and used MAC would reduce GHG emissions by 2.5 MMT CO2 equivalents by 2020. The strategy is driven by the EU regulation to ban high GWP refrigerants in new cars from 2011 on.
- MAC Tightness Test and Repair Requirements: This strategy proposes to add a new leakage test and repair requirements to the existing Smog Check programme for HFC-based MAC. Vehicles with unacceptable leak rates would need to be repaired as a condition for registration. As technical and economical feasibility studies are needed, the proposal cannot be enforced before 2010.
- Federal Ban of HFC Release from MAC Servicing & Dismantling: The non-regulatory strategy targets improved compliance with an already existing federal regulation that prohibits the venting of HFCs during servicing and dismantling. It requires the collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Agency (EPA).
Background & Follow-up
California's environmental agency is currently consulting with stakeholders to propose, adopt and enforce effective tools to achieve a maximum reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The ban on do-it-yourself servicing of HFC-134a MAC is one of three discrete early action measures to become effective in 2010. All other mentioned HFC reduction proposals are part of the 44 early action measures to yield together a reduction of 44 MMT CO2 equivalents, or 25% of the 2020 target.
R744.com will keep you updated on outcomes of this workshop and latest developments. Please check regularly for updates.
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More information:
› Workshop Notice CARB website
 Early Action: HFC-134a emissions from non-professional servicing (17 KB)
Early Action: Low-GWP Refrigerants (21 KB)
Early Action: Additional AC leak test (17 KB)
Early Action: Federal ban on HFC release (17 KB)
› Read the article: "California restricts use of HFC-134a in cars", 21 June 2007
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