Environmental Protection Agency
With this action, EPA amends the current regulation to phase out the production and consumption of most ozone-depleting substances. This action clarifies aspects of the regulation as provided under section 604 and 606 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA). To ensure an orderly phaseout of the production and consumption of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, methyl chloroform and hydrobromofluorocarbons in 1996, and of halons after 1994, this action alters the administrative requirements of the regulations so companies may continue to produce for special exempted uses. Today's action also clarifies administrative procedures to improve the efficiency of current reporting requirements and to reduce the burden on the affected companies. These actions continue to ensure compliance with Title VI of the CAA in a manner consistent with the United States' obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, as amended. Specifically, EPA changes the requirements for the post-phaseout period for transformation and destruction of ozone-depleting substances; establishes the framework for the post-phaseout production of exempted essential uses; revises the controls for imports of controlled substances that are used or recycled; eases the requirements for exporting substances to Article 5 countries; changes the allowance requirements for exports of ozone-depleting substances; clarifies the requirements for heels remaining in containers that are returning to the U.S.; provides a period of reconciliation in which allowance balances may be adjusted; and simplifies the recordkeeping and reporting requirements. The changes made in this rule ease the burden on industry, and will therefore limit the negative economic impact associated with the regulations previously promulgated under Sections 604 and 606, while maintaining the environmental benefits of the accelerated phaseout.
Citation: 60 FR 24970
