White House and EPA GreenChill industry coalition to cut emissions

President Obama’s administration has unveiled new plans to collaborate with the private sector to phase out harmful greenhouse gases commonly found in refrigerators and air conditioners.

The White House made the announcement on Tuesday and will work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to limit emissions of potent hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) and encourage private sector investment in the development of alternative technologies.

The EPA will publish lists of fluorinated and non-fluorinated chemicals that can be used as safe alternatives to HFCs, and would work with manufacturers to help them reduce HFCs in fridges and air conditioners.

Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator, said: "The good progress we are making on restoring the earth's ozone layer would not have been possible without a strong public-private sector partnership. I know by working together again we can tackle the challenges of climate change and meet the President's goal to curb emissions of the most potent greenhouse gases."

Retail giant Target announced it that it will expand its use of HFC-free refrigeration systems and will work with chemical producers to test greener alternatives.

Refrigerator manufacturer Hillphoenix also has plans to commercialise two new HFC-free products.

A number of other companies announced they were joining the EPA's GreenChill industry coalition aimed at phasing out HFCs, including food retailer Kroger and Port Townsend Food Co-op.