How that aspect of the overall plan might factor into a future phase down in production of new HFCs or use in current systems with the start of the New Year is unknown. But concerns within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are causing the federal agency to continue to draw attention to issues related to climate change.

Recently, the EPA released a series of short public service videos on climate change. According to the agency, “The videos cover a range of topics related to climate change, including its causes and impacts, actions Americans can take to reduce their impact, and the benefits to the economy of addressing climate change.”

It went on to say that “the new video series supports the President’s Climate Action Plan by encouraging American families to reduce the amount of energy they consume, cutting down on their utility bills and protecting people’s health.”

The videos do not directly reference HFCs, but do advise homeowners to adjust thermostats, change air filters, and have HVAC systems properly maintained. They also draw attention to solar and wind as energy-generating options.

In its announcement of the videos, the EPA did specifically reference the Climate Action Plan that was announced on June 25. The EPA said the plan’s objective was “to cut carbon pollution and prepare the U.S. for the impacts of climate change. A warming climate can adversely impact water supplies, agriculture, power, and transportation systems as well as health and safety of Americans and the nation’s economy. These videos show that there are simple things that all Americans can do to help.”

The EPA videos can be viewed here.

For information on climate change from the EPA perspective, go to www.epa.gov/climatechange.

Publication date: 12/9/2013