Legislation banning the sale or installation of equipment containing greenhouse gases, sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman, passed the Senate Environment and Energy Committee today.

The bipartisan bill (S3919) prohibits hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other gases that threaten the ozone, transitioning the State to less harmful alternatives.

“Replacements are available so it’s time to end our dependency on these dangerous gases,” said Bateman (R-16). “Moving to more environmentally benign refrigerants benefits the climate and reduces health risks to the public. I am confident this bill will move swiftly through the Legislature and soon be signed into law.”

Hydrofluorocarbons are a form of greenhouse gases that contain hydrogen, fluorine and carbon. They are commonly used in various commercial and industrial applications.

Bateman’s bill requires a phase-out of HFCs beginning on July 1, 2020, becoming more restrictive each year through 2024.