Ecology seeks comments on phase-out of HFCs

OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Ecology is seeking input from farmers in developing a program to deal with the environmentally sound disposal of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

The program is part of a statewide mandated phase-out of HFC refrigerants contained in a law passed during the 2021 legislative session intended to address the emission of greenhouse gasses in Washington.

According to a press release from the Washington State Potato Commission, the program needs to address commercial, industrial and consumer uses of HFC refrigerants, most of which are used in cooling systems.

A 2019 law, amended in 2021, places phased-in restrictions on the use of HFCs in new refrigeration and cooling equipment.

Ecology is seeking input on the proper recycling and disposal of HFCs, possible incentives to upgrade to non-HFC equipment, challenges businesses and equipment makers may face in the transition to HFC-free cooling, and other concerns. Comments can be submitted at https://aq.ecology.commentinput.com/?id=Q6945 and are due by July 21.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached at cfeatherstone@columbiabasinherald.com.