FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1984

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background:

Air-Conditioning Equipment.

"Air-conditioning equipment" is defined in statute as mechanical vapor compression refrigeration equipment that is used to cool the driver or passenger compartment of any motor vehicle. It is illegal for air-conditioning equipment to contain any refrigerant that is toxic or flammable.

Federal Significant New Alternatives Policy.

The federal Clean Air Act provides for the review of alternatives to ozone-depleting substances and the approval of substitutes that do not present a more significant risk than other available alternatives. Similarly, federal law requires that, to the maximum extent practicable, certain substances must be replaced by chemicals, product substitutes, or alternative manufacturing processes that reduce overall risks to human health and the environment. This policy is known as the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP). Under the SNAP, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to publish a list of prohibited substitutes for specific uses, as well as safe alternatives identified for specific uses. Pursuant to its authority under the SNAP, the EPA promulgated a rule in 2008 that permits the use of a substitute for motor vehicle air-conditioning substances that is a non ozone-depleting gas.

Summary:

Alternative refrigerants may be used in motor vehicle air-conditioning equipment if the refrigerant is included in the list of safe alternative motor vehicle air-conditioning substitutes for chlorofluorocarbon-12 published by the EPA, as it exists on the effective date of this act.

Votes on Final Passage:

House	94	1
Senate	47	0