EPA Rule Seeks to Reduce Leaks of Climate-Polluting Refrigerant

The EPA on Monday issued a final rule that sets tougher standards for leaks of air conditioners and refrigeration systems that use planet-warming coolants.

The new rule will prevent some 120 million metric tons of carbon from being emitted, a net benefit of at least $6.9 billion, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The rule includes requirements for fixing leaking equipment, installing automatic leak detection devices on large refrigeration systems, and using reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to service some existing equipment.

Other parts of the rule mandate the minimizing of HFC releases from firefighting equipment, training for fire suppression technicians, and ...