Smith, Bateman Bill to Prohibit Sale of Certain Products Containing Hydrofluorocarbons Clears Committee

Trenton – A bill sponsored by Senate Environment and Energy Committee Chair Senator Bob Smith and Senator Christopher Bateman, which would prohibit the sale, lease, rent or installation of certain equipment or products containing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) or other greenhouse gases, cleared the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

“By ending the further sale of products with HFCs, New Jersey will continue to be a leader in the fight against climate change,” said Senator Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset). “There are readily available alternatives to HFCs that have lower global warming impact and that pose a lower overall risk to human health and the environment. It is imperative that we set up ourselves for a cleaner and greener future and this bill pushes us in that direction.”

Under the bill, S-3919, individuals and other entities would no longer be able to sell, lease, rent, or install certain products or equipment containing HFCs starting as early as July 1, 2020 and as late as January 1, 2024. Other products and equipment would be restricted at further dates. However, if the products were manufactured before the effective date of the bill, individuals would be able to sell, install, rent, or use those products containing HFCs.

The purpose of this bill is to transition New Jersey to safer alternatives that are readily available and cost-effective.

HFCs are a class of greenhouse gases that are saturated organic compounds containing hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. They are commonly used as refrigerants for commercial and industrial use.  Due to its emissions, the use of HFCs has been found to produce adverse climate effects.

The bill was released from committee by a vote of 13-0.