TABLE OF CONTENTS - Everything R744

NORTH AMERICAN POLICIES: CALIFORNIA’S REFRIGERANT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
INTERNALIZING EXTERNAL COST OF HIGH-GWP
REFRIGERANTS
The State of California has adopted the nation’s first
comprehensive regulation 7 for reducing high-GWP refrigerant
gas emissions from commercial and industrial
refrigeration systems. The regulation focuses on large
refrigeration systems using more than 50 pounds of
CFC, HCFC, or HFC refrigerant. The 50-pound refrigerant
threshold means that the rule generally applies to facilities
such as:
• Supermarket and grocery stores
• Food and beverage processors
• Cold storage warehouses
• Industrial process cooling plants
On the other hand, facilities using low-GWP refrigerants
are not subject to the regulation and the compliance
costs it entails.
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As of 2011, the regulation requires leak inspection, repairs,
required service practices, and record keeping.
Refrigerant leaks have to be repaired by a US EPA certified
technician within 14 days of leak detection. In cases
where systems cannot be repaired, a retrofit or retirement
plan is required. Depending on the type and size of
refrigeration system, leak inspection requirements vary
from automatic leak detection system to quarterly or annual
inspection. In addition, as of 2012, annual registration,
reporting, and fee requirements apply for facilities.
7 Regulation for the Management of high Global Warming Potential
Refrigerants for Stationary. Available from: http://www.arb.ca.gov/
regact/2009/gwprmp09/finalfro.pdf”