EPA Rule Covering Greenhouse Gases Ratified by the EPA
Greenhouse gases will be categorized as a pollutant following the US Supreme Court’s landmark notice approving the EPA rule. The gases harm the environment as they do not dissipate following release from a variety of common systems, including:
- refrigeration and cooling units
- fire protection systems
- vehicles
- power plants
- and ventilation and air-conditioning systems
The gases build up and have been found to be responsible for adverse climate changes.
The new EPA rule states that greenhouse gases may endanger public health and welfare. The ruling gives the federal agency the power to enforce regulations under the U.S. Clean Air Act to control pollutants that cause global warming or deplete the ozone layer. This authority would be binding even if the U.S. Congress fails to act upon the issue.
The EPA rule underlines strict regulations on carbon dioxide emissions and greenhouse gases, as per the April 17, 2009 finding. The pollutants have been shown to cause harm to the environment and to the public and the endangerment ruling gives notice to those facilities that use certain chemicals that they must phase out and switch to environmentally friendly alternatives.
A 60-day public comment period has been opened up by the feds following the US Supreme Court’s approval of the EPA rule. Once this comment period closes, the findings will go into the Federal Register, forcing the EPA to implement its rules and regulations if the US Congress has not enacted a law by that time.
It is obvious from the recent EPA rule approval that facilities using environmentally harmful chemicals should start looking into efficient and cost effective ways to track and report their emissions. The Obama administration and many other global leaders are steadfast in their pledge to improve air quality and reduce global warming.
The EPA rule is designed to reduce the more than 7,000,000,000 tons of greenhouse gases discharged in the United States per year. Certain industries are the worst offenders, including coal-fired power plants, facilities using refrigerant gas, industrial sources and motor vehicles.
Facilities are turning to vendors working in the energy management and asset procurement business, who have produced automated refrigerant tracking software. This software will allow them to conform with the previously approved EPA rule, ratified by the recent court ruling. Regulations limit the production and use of chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, found in refrigerant gas.
An existing phaseout of refrigerant gases, used in the air-conditioning, fire suppression systems and commercial cooling is in addition to the EPA rule. Headed by the new president, the US administration has plans to include a cap and trade system, which will encourage companies to invest in greener methods. Final rulings from the EPA are expected which will propose standards that must be met to avoid incurring fines and penalties.
