The EPA wants to get HFC-134a regulated like freon

Today I learned something interesting.

As part of my job, I get to periodically read the Wolters Kluwer Law & Business’ Workplace Guide to EPA and OSHA.

Oh yeah. It’s exactly as fun as it sounds.

Anyhow, something on page 17, first paragraph got my attention…

“The EPA prohibits the sale of Freon to anyone other than a certified technician. The EPA is in the process of developing a similar restriction for HFC-134a, although none currently exists.”

In other words, the EPA wants to ban WalMart, Target, Pep Boys, Auto Zone and every other car-accessory place from selling those A/C recharge units.

Granted, a lot of people don’t even know or care where the automotive section is at the stores, but if the EPA gets this idea through, getting the gas to repair, seal or recharge an A/C unit won’t be possible unless you’re a “certified technician”.

Scam much?

Those recharge units usually sell out during the summer months, and HFC-134a is supposed to be 100% safe for the environment too. This regulation is either a power grab by the EPA, or worse, HFC-134a isn’t environmentally friendly as first thought and the EPA wants to quietly pull it off the market.

Either way, it’s going to be up to WalMart, Target, Pep Boys, Auto Zone and every other car-accessory place need to fight this and get to the “why”.

And for the record, I’ve used those HFC-134a rechargers on my car, and they do work.