The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has moved to restrict the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), extremely powerful planet-heating gases found in refrigerators and air conditioning units that are the target of an international push for phasing out. The step is a significant one as Biden seeks to cut total US emissions in half by the end of the decade. “With this proposal, EPA is taking another significant step under President Biden’s ambitious agenda to address the climate crisis,” said Michael Regan, administrator of the EPA. Unusually for a climate measure, the reduction in HFCs has bipartisan support in Congress, as well as support from affected businesses. The EPA said it hopes to finalize its new HFC rule by the end of the year.

Source: The Guardian May 03, 2021 16:30 UTC