Chapters 173-443 and Chapter 173-455 WAC

Ecology proposes to update two rules:

This rulemaking may:

  • Establish maximum global warming potential (GWP) thresholds for hydrofluorocarbons used in new stationary refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.
  • Establish a refrigerant management program with registration, leak detection, and reporting requirements for certain stationary refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
  • Amend product labeling and disclosure requirements.
  • Establish fees to support the refrigerant management program.
  • Update Chapter 173-443 WAC to reflect other changes in the law.

Rulemaking timeline

Timeline

Announcement phase (CR-101)

Filing date:
Aug. 16, 2021


Announcement documents

Rule development phase

August 16, 2021 – Summer 2023



Public input & involvement

Public comment period (informal) – EXTENDED
February 3, 2022 – February 15, 2023 (originally January 31, 2023)

Read comments.

Ecology's meetings with stakeholders

Date (PDT) Documents Location
Thursday
Feb. 3, 2022
2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule language
Meeting summary
webinar 1
Thursday
March 31, 2022
1 p.m – 3:30 p.m.
Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule language
Meeting summary

webinar 1
recording

Tuesday
May 10, 2022
9:30 a.m. – noon
Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule language
Meeting summary
Grocery retailers Q&A

webinar 1
recording

Wednesday
July 6, 2022
9:30 a.m. – noon
Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule language
Meeting summary

webinar 1
recording

Wednesday
Sept. 14, 2022
9:30 a.m. – noon

Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule language
Meeting summary
Draft requirements for refrigerant management

webinar 1
recording
Thursday
Nov. 17, 2022
9:30 a.m. – noon PST
Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule language
Meeting summary
Draft requirements for refrigerant management
webinar 1
recording
Wednesday
Jan. 25, 2023
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST
Agenda
Presentation
Draft rule language
Draft rule language (Jan. 27, 2023 version)
webinar 1
recording


1 Webinar information:
   Register for each webinar to get your meeting ID and passcode.
   To hear the webinar better or to call in only, use your phone (instead of the computer) to call 253-215-8782.

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.