Towards a low emissions future

US States take action on HFC phase-out

Maryland and New York announce plans to phase out hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants 
Both New York and Maryland made announcements on September 11 that the states will follow in California's footsteps by adopting regulations aimed at phasing out hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

The announcement says the phase-out will be implemented from 2020-2024 with the intended goal of reducing HFC emissions by more than 20 percent by 2030.

Maryland has yet to share the specifics of its plan. The Maryland Department of the Environment has indicated that it intends to adopt regulations similar to what emanates from California. This effort will help Maryland achieve the goals set forth by the state's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Act of 2016. 

The governors of California, Maryland, and New York all belong to the U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of governors from 16 states and Puerto Rico who have committed to undertaking various initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is possible that other states involved in the Climate Alliance – many of whom are also participating in the ongoing Global Climate Action Summit in San Francisco – will announce similar plans to phase down HFCs.