Update on the State of Vermont HFC rules

The following state law affects anyone that sells or installs products in VT which utilize refrigerants, foam insulation, or aerosol propellants. This includes commercial and residential refrigeration, HVAC, and many types of foam-based building materials.

The State of Vermont recently passed a law to "reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the phase out of high global warming potential hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's) in air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, aerosol propellants, and foam end-uses." The rules prohibit the sale, lease, rent, or installation of products that consist of or use specific HFCs with high global warming potentials. Prohibitions are being phased in between January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2024. The following end-use prohibitions went into effect on January 1, 2021:

• Foam insulation products (incl. XPS board stock, one and two-part spray foam, etc.)
• Commercial refrigeration (incl. rack systems, condensing units, stand-alone, etc.)
• Residential refrigeration (compact refrigerators/freezers only)

Prohibited products or equipment manufactured prior to the applicable effective date can still be sold and used in Vermont after the effective prohibition dates. For a full list of impacted end-uses, prohibitions and associated timelines, reference the table starting on page 8 of the Agency of Natural Resources "Rules regarding phase-down of the use of Hydrofluorocarbons."

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation has jurisdiction over implementation and enforcement of this rule. Non-compliance with the rule will be investigated by DEC and may result in enforcement proceedings against the person or entity in violation of the rule.

If you have questions regarding the new requirements, contact Collin Smythe at the Department of Environmental Conservation at [email protected].