Carper Decries EPA’s Decision to Abandon Leak Repair Rule that Decreases Harmful HFCs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signaled it would dismantle a rule that would reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a global warming-inducing substance that is used in refrigerators, air conditioner and foams.

“I believe the federal government has a moral responsibility, not only to help our communities be better prepared for climate-fueled events, but to also address the root causes of these events.  Unfortunately, this action is yet another reminder the Trump Administration isn’t willing to take even the smallest step to address climate change or protect Americans from the threats of extreme weather.  My hope is that this Administration will stop pursuing these senseless rollbacks and instead focus on policies that help address climate change and the business community.  Commonsense polices, such as my bill with Senator Kennedy, would phase down HFCs and provide much-needed certainty to American manufacturers working to advance and export new, cleaner technologies.  The business community, environmental groups and members on both sides of the aisle in Congress recognize the environmental and economic values in phasing out HFCs, but so far it seems this Administration is not listening to reason.”

In February, Senators Carper and John Kennedy (R-La.), introduced the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act — a bill to spur transition away from HFCs to American–made alternatives.

###