The Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board on Friday unanimously approved a regulation prohibiting the use of hydrofluorcarbons. Hydrofluorcarbons are used in the manufacture of some foam products, aerosols, refrigerants and fire extinguishers. Their long presence in the atmosphere before breaking down means HFCs can have a significant impact on global warming.
The regulation will take effect June 1. The production and use of HFCs in most applications has to stop by Jan. 1, 2022.
“We are pleased to become the 10th state, and the first southern state, to phase out HFCs, which is necessary to limit the Commonwealth’s contributions to climate change,” said Department of Environmental Quality Director David Paylor. “This regulation continues the significant progress Virginia has already made – and continues to make – to become a more environmentally protective, climate-friendly state.”
Also at the meeting, Paylor said the department is in line to get $12 million from the state, restoring funds the agency has lost in recent decades. The DEQ will use the money to hire around 65.
