Chapter 173-443 WAC – Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

On Dec. 10, 2020, Ecology adopted a new rule, Chapter 173-443 WAC, Hydrofluorocarbons. The purpose of this rule is to establish requirements to move away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). HFCs are powerful greenhouse gases that are made up of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. This rule is similar to rules that EPA and other states have adopted or are adopting.

The permanent rule requires manufacturers, importers, and distributors to:

  • Notify Ecology about their products and equipment that contain hydrofluorocarbons — due when new restrictions apply (2021-2024).
  • Label the product or equipment that contains hydrofluorocarbons.

Ecology adopted five consecutive emergency rules while we were working on the permanent rule.

The emergency rule required manufacturers, importers, and distributors to notify Ecology about their products and equipment that contain hydrofluorocarbons:

Rulemaking timeline

Timeline

Announcement phase (CR-101)

Filing date:
July 30, 2019


Announcement documents

Rule development phase

July 30, 2019 – June 15, 2020

Public input & involvement

Public comment period (informal)
Jan. 23, 2020 – March 25, 2020

Read comments.

EPA's SNAP list of HFC substitutes

Ecology's meetings with stakeholders

Date Agenda Location
Wednesday
Sept. 11, 2019
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Information about how to:
• Fill out the notification form. 1
• Get a SAW account.
• Submit your notification form. 1

1 Reporting HFCs - instructions
webinar *         
Wednesday
Nov. 13, 2019
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(+30 min. if needed)

Propellants
Agenda
Handout
Presentation
Meeting summary

Marriott Residence Inn
SeaTac (map to location)

webinar *

Wednesday
Nov. 13, 2019
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
(+30 min. if needed)
Foams
Agenda
Handout
Presentation
Meeting summary

Marriott Residence Inn
SeaTac (map to location)

webinar *

Thursday
Nov. 14, 2019
9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
(+30 min. if needed)
Refrigerants
Agenda
Handout
Presentation
Meeting summary
Marriott Residence Inn
SeaTac (map to location)

webinar *
Tuesday
Dec. 17, 2019
1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
2019 draft labeling options
Presentation
Meeting summary
Ecology, Lacey (map to location)

webinar *

Tuesday
Jan. 28, 2020
9:30 a.m. – noon

Agenda
Draft rule language
Presentation
Meeting summary

Ecology, Lacey (map to location)

webinar *

* Webinar information:
   Register for the webinar to get your access code and password.
   To hear the webinar better, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 1-855-929-3239.

Rule proposal phase (CR-102)

Filing date:
June 16, 2020

Rule proposal documents:

Comment period

Comments were due by July 28, 2020.  We accepted comments in the following ways:

  • Read comments.
     
  • Attend a public hearing online (webinar):
    July 21, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Mail to:  Linda Kildahl
       Department of Ecology
       Air Quality Program
       P.O. Box 47600
       Olympia, WA  98504-7600

Public hearing

Date/Time:  July 21, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.

Location:  online (webinar)
   Register for the webinar to get your access code and password.
   To hear the webinar better, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 1-855-929-3239.

AgendaPresentation, question-and-answer session, followed by public hearing

Accessibility:  To request ADA accommodation for the public hearing, email Ecology’s ADA coordinator by July 7, 2020.  Or call (360) 407-6831, 711 (relay service), or 877-833-6341 (TTY).

Emergency rule adoption (CR-103E)

Fifth emergency rule

Adoption and effective date:
Oct. 20, 2020

Rule expiration date:
Dec. 10, 2020

Rule adoption documents:

 

Fourth emergency rule

Adoption and effective date:
June 25, 2020

Rule expiration date:
Oct. 20, 2020

Rule adoption documents:

 

Third emergency rule

Adoption and effective date:
March 16, 2020

Rule expiration date:
June 25, 2020

Rule adoption documents:

 

Second emergency rule

Adoption and effective date:
Nov. 21, 2019

Rule expiration date:
March 16, 2020

Rule adoption documents:

 

First emergency rule

Adoption and effective date:
July 30, 2019

Rule expiration date:
Nov. 21, 2019

Rule adoption documents:

Additional languages

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Accessibility

To request ADA accommodation for disabilities, or printed materials in a format for the visually impaired, contact Ecology's ADA Coordinator by email at ecyadacoordinator@ecy.wa.gov, or call 360-407-6831. People with impaired hearing may call Washington Relay Service at 711. People with speech disability may call TTY at 877-833-6341.