Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Reconsideration of the Ban on Fire Extinguishers Containing HCFCs

Resumo

Through this action EPA is amending the Class II Nonessential Products Ban promulgated under Section 610 of the Clean Air Act Amendments to provide an exemption for portable fire extinguishing equipment that contains hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) for non- residential applications. EPA proposed and is today promulgating this exemption based on new and compelling information. EPA believes an exemption from the ban on sales and distribution for portable fire extinguishers used in non-residential applications that contain HCFCs is necessary to ensure that an effective substitute to halon, a class I ozone depleter, is readily available. EPA believes that this amendment, while decreasing the regulatory burden on HCFC extinguishant manufacturers and distributors, will not compromise the goals of protecting public health and the environment.