The bill aims to expand the authority of the Washington Department of Ecology to refrain from enforcing certain provisions of chapter 70A.60 RCW, which pertains to hydrofluorocarbons, in response to recent supply chain disruptions. The legislature recognizes that these disruptions have hindered businesses' access to compliant products and believes that providing the department with additional enforcement flexibility will alleviate these challenges, benefiting both businesses and consumers. A new section is created to formalize this expanded authority, allowing the department to adopt rules that establish processes and criteria for granting variances from compliance requirements when supply chain issues arise.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 70A.60.060, which outlines restrictions on the sale and use of products containing hydrofluorocarbons. Key amendments include the adjustment of notification timelines for manufacturers regarding the status of their products and the introduction of a requirement for the department to adopt rules that align with other states' regulations on hydrofluorocarbons. The bill also specifies that the department must consider the feasibility of labeling requirements and may implement alternative disclosure methods if necessary. Overall, the legislation seeks to balance environmental regulations with the practical needs of businesses facing supply chain challenges.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.60.040
Substitute Bill: 70A.60.060