Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1431926
42 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2021 USICERINKS.COM GWP LIMITS Currently there are no GWP limits for HFCs outlined in the EPA's final rule. However, states are not waiting for fed- eral limits to be enacted. For example, California recently adopted regulations that would limit refrigerants to <750 GWP for existing ice rinks when replacing or upgrading their current refrigeration sys- tem. A GWP <150 refrigerant will be required for use in refrigeration systems for new ice rink construction. There are currently a handful of others states in the process of enacting similar regulations to California. For more information about state regulations, visit the U.S. Climate Alliance website at usclimatealliance.org. R-22 (HCFC 22) PHASE OUT R-22, often referred to as Freon, is a hydro- chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) used as a refrigerant in ice rink refrigeration systems. The EPA has phased out R-22 in accor- dance with the Montreal Protocol due to its Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). • January 1, 2010: New R-22 refrig- eration systems were prohibited from being built. • January 1, 2020: R-22 prohibited from being manufactured or imported into the U.S. It is important to note that existing refrigeration systems containing R-22 can legally continue to be operated and ser- viced using the remaining supply of virgin or reclaimed R-22 on the market. There are no current federal or state regulations in place requiring the immediate replace- ment of existing refrigeration systems, regardless of the refrigerant used. J RINK PHOTOS , Stay aware of new and evolving federal and state regulations that may impact your facility. 2022 2022-23 2024-28 2029-33 2034-35 2036 & after 0% 20% 50% 80% 10% 40% 70% 30% 60% 90% 100% 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 Phasedown (% of baseline) The following illustrates the HFC production and consumption phasedown as outlined in the AIM Act. PHASEDOWN SCHEDULE HFC Phasedown schedule and consumption and production allowance caps. Years Consumption & Production Allowance Caps in MMTEVe* Consumption Production *The baselines and caps are expressed in million metric tons of exchange value equivalent (MMTEVe), which are numerically equivalent to million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MMTCO2e) 273.5 229.5 91.2 114.8 60.8 76.5 45.6 57.4 344.3 182.3 (MMTEVe) REFRIGERANT REGULATION UPDATE