Environmental Protection Agency
EPA is establishing an allowance system to control the U.S. consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs)known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). While much less destructive to the stratospheric ozone layer than chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs do contribute to ozone depletion and alternatives are generally available. The HCFC allowance system is part of EPA's program to reduce the emissions of ODSs to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. Protection of the stratospheric ozone layer helps reduce rates of skin cancer and cataracts. The U.S. is obligated under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer to limit HCFC consumption to a specific level and to reduce it in a step-wise fashion beginning January 1, 2004. The U.S. has also agreed to limit production to a specific level beginning January 1, 2004. This action also includes a petition process for exemptions to the January 1, 2003, phaseout of HCFC-141b.
Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Environmental Protection Agency 40 CFR Part 82 [FRL-7428-6] RIN 2060-AH67 AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: EPA is establishing an allowance system to control the U.S. consumption and production of ozone-depleting substances (ODSs)known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). While much less destructive to the stratospheric ozone layer than chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), HCFCs do contribute to ozone depletion and alternatives are generally available. The HCFC allowance system is part of EPA's program to reduce the emissions of ODSs to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. Protection of the stratospheric ozone layer helps reduce rates of skin cancer and cataracts. The U.S. is obligated under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer to limit HCFC consumption to a specific level and to reduce it in a step-wise fashion beginning January 1, 2004. The U.S. has also agreed to limit production to a specific level beginning January 1, 2004. This action also includes a petition process for exemptions to the January 1, 2003, phaseout of HCFC-141b. EFFECTIVE DATE: January 21, 2003. ADDRESSES: Materials relevant to this rulemaking are contained in Docket No. A-98-33 at the Air and Radiation Docket at EPA West, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW, Room B108, Mail Code 6102T, Washington, DC 20460, Phone: (202)566-1742, Fax: (202)566-1741. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Vera Au, EPA, Global Programs Division, Office of Atmospheric Progra…
Citation: 68 FR 2820
