Propane listed as refrigerant in EPA proposal

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed increasing the number of refrigerant options to include additional low global warming potential alternatives. Among the options EPA proposed adding are flammable refrigerants such as propane, ethane, isobutane and R-441A. The proposed rule, if finalized, would list one or more of these alternatives as acceptable in a number of stationary air-conditioning and refrigeration units.

EPA says use conditions would set requirements to ensure that the substitutes do not present significantly greater risk in the end use than other substitutes that are currently or potentially available.

According to a press release, the proposal is EPA’s first action that addresses refrigerants under the Climate Action Plan, which calls on the EPA’s Significant New Alternatives Policy program to identify and approve climate-friendly chemicals.

EPA is accepting comments on its proposal for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. Learn more here.