WAC 173-443 Hydrofluorocarbons and Other Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases
Ecology is initiating a rulemaking process to amend chapter 173-443 WAC, the Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Other Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases rule.
The purpose of these updates is to:
- Align chapter 173-443 WAC with new statutory directives in HB 1462, including:
- Implementing restrictions on newly produced refrigerants and other requirements identified in HB 1462.
- Adding requirements for low and ultra-low global warming potential alternatives to hydrofluorocarbons as informed by the work of the Refrigerant Transitions Task Force established by HB 1462.
- Addressing additional implementation needs identified through the work of the Refrigerant Transitions Task Force.
- Establish compliance mechanisms and supporting requirements for the use, sale, and distribution of regulated refrigerants and substitutes.
- Amend enforcement provisions, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements.
This rulemaking will also evaluate requirements for specific facility categories, including data centers. In February 2025, Ecology issued enforcement discretion guidance regarding HFC restrictions for certain data center cooling equipment. This rulemaking will provide an opportunity to evaluate the issues raised in that guidance and may consider similar issues for other categories of facilities. Additionally, this rulemaking may cover other issues identified during the rulemaking process.
Rulemaking timeline
Announcement phase (CR-101)
Filing date:
May 20, 2026
Announcement documents
Rule development phase
May 20, 2026 - Winter 2028Related links
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.