From AAIA Capital Report
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted unanimously on Jan. 22 to permit retailers in California to continue to be able to sell the automotive refrigerant 134a to consumers.
The vote reverses a proposal from CARB back in 2007 that would have banned the sale to non-professionals of 134a in small containers based on the global warming impact of the substance. However, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association, the Automotive Refrigerant Products Institute and other groups worked closely with the board to develop a hybrid mitigation plan that would allow the continued sale of refrigerants in California while ensuring proper handling and disposal.
The hybrid program approved last week by CARB will require refrigerant packagers to provide a self-sealing valve on all containers sold in the state to prevent unused gas from escaping. The program also will require an industry-operated container deposit and recycling program that will require a can purchaser to provide a $10 deposit, which will be reimbursed when the can is returned to the place of purchase. The can would then be sent back to the manufacturer for capture and reuse of the unused refrigerant in the container. The program will further mandate that manufacturers and retailers educate motorists on proper air conditioning charging practices.
While the hybrid program goes into place on Jan. 1, 2010, retailers will be permitted to sell non-compliant containers, manufactured prior to that date, for one additional year.
For additional information on the regulation, visit www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hfc-mac/hfc-mac.htm.
