New scheme targets greenhouse gases

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2019

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is supporting international efforts to help cool the planet with new regulations coming into force today.

After 31 December 2019, a permit will be required for new and recycled bulk imports or exports of 18 different hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases, which are used in both refrigeration and air-conditioning units.

The new rules set limits on how much new bulk HFC can be imported, and encourage a move to alternative gases or HFCs with less potential to warm the atmosphere.

Dr Fiona Thomson-Carter, General Manager of our Hazardous Substances group says: “HFCs are potent greenhouse gases which warm the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.

“The new regulations keep us in line with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement adopted by New Zealand, to phase out certain gases which damage the Earth’s ozone layer, and affect our climate.

“If Kigali is successful, it’s estimated it could avoid warming of up to an estimated 0.5 degrees by the end of the century,” said Dr Thomson-Carter.

Applications for permits for 2020 are now open, and applications for grandparented eligibility – for importers of HFC’s between 2015-2017, close on 18 March 2019.

Read more about the changes here.

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