Bill > HB1462

This bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. The legislation establishes a comprehensive framework to transition Washington state away from high global warming potential refrigerants by 2035. Specifically, the bill prohibits the sale of newly produced bulk HFCs with a global warming potential exceeding 1,500 starting in 2030, and further reducing that threshold to 750 by 2033. To support this transition, the bill creates a refrigerant transition task force composed of representatives from various sectors, including environmental organizations, labor unions, agricultural businesses, and equipment manufacturers, who will study opportunities and barriers to adopting climate-friendly refrigerants. The task force is required to submit a report by December 2027 with recommendations for sector-specific transition timelines. The bill also provides provisions for temporary exemptions in cases of technical or economic infeasibility and allows for emergency purchases of HFCs when absolutely necessary. Additionally, the legislation directs the Department of Ecology to develop rules for promoting refrigerant recovery, recycling, and the adoption of low or ultra-low global warming potential alternatives, with the ultimate goal of aligning Washington's efforts with national and international climate objectives.