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Alternative Refrigerant Regulatory Requirements

The Clean Air Act authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to evaluate and regulate substitutes for refrigerants and other ozone depleting chemicals. The EPA exercises this authority through its Significant New Alternatives Policy, or SNAP program.

  1. Significance

    • The purpose of the SNAP program is to make the changeover from ozone depleting substances as safe as possible for both consumers and the environment. Under the program, alternative chemicals are submitted to the EPA for evaluation. It publishes lists identifying alternatives as unacceptable, acceptable, or acceptable with limits or conditions, for use.

    The Submission Process

    • Applicants must submit a great deal of information about a potential alternative chemical to the EPA to have it considered. The 90-day evaluation process includes studying the chemical's effect on the environment, humans and public safety. Substitutes that are new chemicals must also be submitted under the Toxic Substances Control Act.

    The Lists

    • The SNAP lists are constantly being expanded and revised. New chemicals are produced, and old chemicals are mixed in new ways. Most applicants are chemical manufacturers, but anyone can petition the EPA to add or delete alternatives. The EPA continues to edit the lists as new information on current substitutes becomes available.

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