Systems which are used for cooling and air conditioning, heating, fire protection, vehicles and other industrial and commercial processes usually generate greenhouse gases (GHGs) which can be harmful to the environment. These GHGs build up in the atmosphere which can lead to increased temperature and changes in climate. This can disrupt normal processes in the habitats of living things and humans. Thus, EPA endorsed that GHGs should be categorized as harmful pollutants which was approved by the US Supreme Court. The new EPA rule states that greenhouse gases may endanger public health and welfare. The ruling gives the federal agency the power to enforce regulations under The U.S. Clean Air Act to control pollutants that cause global warming or deplete the ozone layer. This authority would be binding if the U.S. Congress fails to act upon the issue from a legislative perspective. The EPA rule on April 17, 2009 mandates strict regulations on greenhouse gases and carbon emissions which harm the environment and consequently the people. To begin phasing out the use of refrigerant gases and resorting to alternatives which are kind to the environment, endangerment findings will send out warning to facilities that use such. Following the U.S. Supreme Court approval, the EPA has opened a 60-day public comment period on its findings on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. After the comment period closes, the findings will be entered into the Federal Register, making the EPA legally required to implement its rules and regulations if the U.S. Congress has not enacted a law beforehand that deals with climate change. It is obvious from the recent EPA rule approval that facilities using environmentally harmful chemicals should start looking into efficient and cost effective ways to track and report their emissions. The Obama administration and many other global leaders are steadfast in their pledge to improve air quality and reduce global climate change. In the United States alone, there are over 7 Billion tons of greenhouse gases discharged. Such EPA rule is aimed at reducing harmful emissions by focusing on industries which are deemed to be the worst offenders. Among such facilities include plants that are coal-fired, motor vehicles, and other industrial process equipment. As a result of the previously approved EPA rule contained in The U.S. Clean Air Act and this most recent court ruling, many facilities are continuing turning to automated refrigerant tracking software. The regulations limit the production and use of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), such as those found in refrigerant gases which are both ozone depleting and high global warming substances. The EPA rule is in addition to the current phase out of refrigerant gases used in commercial cooling, air conditioning and fire suppression systems. Furthermore, the Obama administration is considering plans like a carbon cap and trade program that would prompt companies to invest in greener operational procedures and information systems to aid in managing, tracking, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. Other ideas are a direct tax on carbon emissions and a few others in draft from among regional regulatory authorities like the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The Environmental Protection Agency (EP) will begin holding the meetings to discuss the requirements necessary to issue its final ruling immediately. The propose carbon emissions management standards will be further refined in the coming months. There is some question to as to how long it may take to actually implement the new regulations. It may take several months, one or more years, or even longer. It is clear no matter the time frame to have the actual regulations enforceable the EPA has sent a clear message that the time to take action against climate change is now. Organizations will be well advised to better understand the carbon emissions reporting protocols and put in place carbon management information systems to assist in compliance reporting. Although the final threshold is still under question, it is certain that carbon emissions tracking is an important consideration for any large organization.
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