State and Federal Regulation of Hydrofluorocarbons

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are man-made chemicals that are commonly found in air conditioning, refrigeration, fire suppression systems, foam blowing agents, and cleaning solvents, among other uses. HFCs were developed to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which were ozone depleting substances (ODS). HFCs are potent greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to their heat-trapping properties. 
 
California is a first actor in prohibiting HFCs in certain products and many states are following that lead. Many state regulations also require mandatory disclosure, notification, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements. Federal regulations proposed in late May 2021 will start by phasing down the manufacturing and import of HFCs and products containing HFCs. Additional federal regulations are expected to be proposed concerning use of HFCs.
 
This fact sheet provides a summary of the state and federal regulation of HFCs, enforcement and what to expect in the future.