The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by promoting the transition to environmentally sustainable alternatives and enhancing the use of reclaimed HFCs. It establishes a regulatory framework that includes phased limitations on the sale and distribution of newly produced bulk HFCs based on their global warming potential, with specific thresholds set for 2030 and 2033. The Department of Ecology is tasked with implementing these regulations, which may include adopting lower global warming potential limits and updating definitions to align with federal regulations. The bill also outlines exemptions for reclaimed HFCs and certain applications, as well as provisions for temporary exemptions in cases of economic infeasibility.

Additionally, the bill creates a refrigerant transition task force to study barriers and opportunities for transitioning to climate-friendly refrigerants and enhancing refrigerant recovery and reclamation. The task force is required to submit a report by December 1, 2027, detailing recommendations for achieving the transition to low and ultra-low global warming potential refrigerants by 2035. The Department of Ecology is instructed to adopt rules based on the task force's findings, ensuring that the transition is practicable for various sectors. The bill also includes definitions for key terms related to refrigerants and establishes penalties for violations of the new regulations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.60.010
Substitute Bill: 70A.60.010
Second Substitute: 70A.60.010
Bill as Passed Legislature: 70A.60.010
Session Law: 70A.60.010