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:
- Initial reporting — due by Dec. 31, 2019
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
July 30, 2019
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
July 30, 2019 – June 15, 2020Public input & involvement
Public comment period (informal)
Jan. 23, 2020 – March 25, 2020
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 |
Marriott Residence Inn |
| Wednesday Nov. 13, 2019 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (+30 min. if needed) |
Foams Agenda Handout Presentation Meeting summary |
Marriott Residence Inn |
| 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 |
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)
June 16, 2020
- Proposal notice – CR-102 form
- Proposed rule language
- Preliminary Regulatory Analyses
- SEPA Determination of Nonsignificance and Environmental Checklist
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.
Agenda: Presentation, 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).
Rule adoption phase (CR-103)
Dec. 10, 2020
Jan. 10, 2021
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:
Related links
Contact information
Linda Kildahl
Rulemaking Lead
linda.kildahl@ecy.wa.gov
360-706-3038
Stay informed
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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.