New Refrigerant Rules Coming in California

MICHAEL GARRY

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – On Jan. 1, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) will begin applying new refrigeration regulations to about 2,000 facilities, including some supermarkets, with greater than 2,000 pounds of a refrigerant that has a significant impact on global warming.

The ARB’s regulations are part of a range of measures developed under AB 32, California’s climate change law enacted in 2006. In addition to paying annual dues ($370), the affected businesses have until March 1 to register with the ARB and submit an annual report on their refrigerant usage. Their facilities must also operate a leak detection system.

In January of 2014, about 8,500 facilities with between 200 and 2,000 pounds of high-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant, including many supermarkets, will be required to register, report on usage, and pay an annual fee of $170; in January of 2016, about 15,500 facilities with greater than 50 but less than 200 pounds must register but won’t have to pay a fee or submit reports.

ARB regulations that apply to any business using more than 50 pounds of refrigerants with high GWP were launched in January of 2011. These include periodic leak inspection, repairs, retrofit or retirement plans, required service practices, and recordkeeping; any detected leaks must be repaired within 14 days of discovery. High GWP refrigerants include the HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons) and HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) commonly used by food retailers.

ARB is hearing that the leak checks “help prevent inefficient systems from leaking refrigerant,” said Yvette DiCarlo, the ARB’s outreach lead for the refrigeration management program. The regulations are expected to produce an average savings of roughly two dollars per metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent reduced, according to the ARB.

The ARB is working with 35 local “air districts” in California on what penalties will be exacted for failing to comply with the regulations, she said.