Sales of R-134a refrigerant will not be restricted, according to a rule that was finalized by the EPA in February, 2004. In a release by the Automotive Parts & Service Alliance (APSA), the EPA had proposed in June 1998 to restrict the sale of the refrigerant to only certified users, but had not finalized the proposal due to opposition from some aftermarket associations, including Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and Automotive Refrigeration Products Institute (ARPI).
However, MACS agreed with the restriction proposal. In its report to the EPA in May 2002, MACS argued that the release of HFC-134a refrigerant to the atmosphere during service of a mobile A/C system is illegal and detrimental to the environment. With the availability of R-134a to the general public, there has been minimal enforcement related to the venting of refrigerant by consumers who service their own automotive systems or unprofessional service personnel who do not have the federally mandated refrigerant recovery equipment.
The EPA had based its proposed sale restrictions on the issue that car owners converting their vehicle A/C systems to R-134a would vent into the atmosphere any R-12 that remained in the system.
AAIA and ARPI said it opposed the EPA's proposal, and questioned its authority under the Clean Air Act to take such action, focusing on the issue that the restriction would unfairly impact low- and fixed-income individuals who are forced to work on their own vehicle A/C systems for economic reasons.
NEWS UPDATE: 3/7/2007: California Air Resources Board proposes ban on DIY R134a Sales. Click Here for details.
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