The EPA published the 2010 HCFC Allocation Rule
March 1, 2010
Refrigerant-22 is the most widely used refrigerant gas worldwide. As part of the original Clean Air Act, HCFC’s refrigerants were originally scheduled for eventual phase out just like ozone depleting CFC’s (R-12, R-11, etc.).
Recently, after several years of anticipation, lobbying and discussions with the EPA by industry leaders, the Final Rule for HCFC’s was passed. In short this regulation will accelerate the phase down of production and imports of HCFC’s by refrigerant manufactures and importers beginning January 1, 2010. This reduction continues to cut production and imports by approximately 10% of the remaining volume every year until 2015.
Further, also beginning January 1, 2010 the rule bans the sale and distribution of pre-charged air conditioning and refrigeration appliances with virgin R-22, by equipment manufacturers. Therefore, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment manufactured after January 1, 2010 can only be charged with reclaimed R-22. Most equipment manufacturers have ceased producing equipment using R-22 and have begun producing units which use its most common alternative refrigerant, R-410A.
Needless to say, the industry has begun bracing itself for apparent shortages as a result of this new government regulation.
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/rulesoverview.html