EPA proposes additional options 
for car A/C systems

WASHINGTON (09/21/06) -- The U.S. EPA is proposing to expand the list of choices car manufacturers have when choosing non ozone-depleting refrigerants for use in vehicle air conditioning systems. 

EPA's action proposes to list HFC-152a and CO2 as acceptable alternatives for ozone depleting substances (ODS) in new motor vehicle air conditioning systems under the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. When used with proper risk mitigation measures, HFC-152a and CO2 can reduce the environmental impact of motor vehicle air conditioners. 

If they choose to adopt these technologies, the automotive industry would be required to comply with the conditions necessary to deploy HFC-152a and CO2 systems in a safe manner. Car manufacturers, component manufacturers and the motor vehicle air conditioning service industry have been actively engaged in the development of this rulemaking and are developing prototype systems with the use conditions defined in this proposal.

More information is available online.