Washington State is updating its hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) regulations to reduce climate pollution. HFCs, found in products like air conditioners, refrigerators, and aerosol sprays, trap significantly more heat than carbon dioxide. Adopted by the Department of Ecology in late 2023, the new rules ban or limit products with high global warming potential (GWP). Businesses that manufacture, sell, lease, rent, or distribute affected products must comply or face penalties up to $10,000 per day, per violation.
While Ecology finalizes updates to Chapter 173-443 WAC, it is clarifying how sell-through provisions apply to refrigeration and air conditioning equipment listed in Tables 2 and 3. Originally, Ecology intended for a limited sell-through window starting on each restriction’s effective date, but rule language was unclear. Effective immediately, sellers may sell equipment manufactured before the restriction date for a short period beginning on the date the restriction takes effect.
Ecology is developing industry-specific resources to assist with compliance. More information is available at ecology.wa.gov. For questions, contact Karissa Stuto at [email protected] or 564-233-1983.
Washington Hydrofluorocarbons Restrictions
