Fact Sheet for Additional Sources of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases: Subparts I, L, DD, QQ, SS Final Rule: Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases (40 CFR part 98)

Fact Sheet for Additional Sources of Fluorinated
United c
Greenhouse Gases: Subparts I, L, DP, QQ, SS E=
Final Rule: Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases (40 CFR part 98)
United States
Environmental Protection
Action
On November 9, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule for the
mandatory reporting of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from large sources of fluorinated GHGs such
as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur
hexafluoride (SF6).
This rule requires reporting of fluorinated GHGs from the following source categories:
o Electronics manufacturing including manufacture of semiconductors (which include
light-emitting diodes), photovoltaic cells, liquid crystal displays, and micro-electro-
mechanical systems (Subpart I);
o Fluorinated gas production (Subpart L);
o Imports and exports of pre-charged equipment or closed-cell foams containing
fluorinated GHGs (Subpart QQ);
o Use of electric transmission and distribution equipment (Subpart DD); and
o Manufacture of electric transmission and distribution equipment (Subpart SS).
Fluorinated GHGs emissions account for about two percent of U.S. GHG emissions and
emissions are growing. Fluorinated GHGs are the most potent and persistent of the greenhouse
gases. These gases are generally thousands of times more effective than C02 at trapping heat in
the atmosphere, and many (e.g., PFCs and SF6) remain in the atmosphere for millennia. Due to
their high global warming potential, relatively small quantities of these gases can yield large
GHG emissions in C02-equivalent terms.
The data submitted under the GHG Reporting Program will provide important information on the
location and magnitude of the largest emission sources of fluorinated GHGs. This rule also
allows facilities to track their own emissions, compare them to similar facilities, and aid in
identifying cost-effective opportunities to reduce emissions in the future.
EPA estimates that the rule covers more than 95 percent of the total GHG emissions from these
sources, with approximately 385 facilities reporting. Most small businesses fall below the
reporting threshold and are not required to report.
Final Rule Overview
• This rule generally requires electronics manufacturing and fluorinated gas production facilities
that emit 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (metric tons C02e) or more to report
their GHG emissions to EPA annually. For electric power systems, this rule uses a nameplate
capacity threshold; for manufacturers of electrical power transmission and distribution
equipment, the threshold is expressed in terms of annual GHG purchases. This rule also requires
importers or exporters that supply 25,000 metric tons C02e or more of fluorinated GHGs to report
their supply to EPA annually.
November 2010
1

-------
Reporting is at the facility level with data collection beginning on January 1, 2011. Reports will
be submitted annually with the first report due to EPA on March 31, 2012, for 2011 data.
• Under this rule, EPA estimates that the total cost of reporting for the private sector will be
approximately $7.6 million for the first year and $7.2 million in subsequent years.
• As required in other subparts of the reporting rule, EPA will verify the data. Prior to EPA
verification, reporters are required to self-certify the data they submit to EPA, a practice
consistent with other Clean Air Act programs.
• EPA modified the proposal based on additional comments received during the public comment
period. The table below summarizes major revisions made since the April 2010 proposal. A more
detailed description of these changes is available in each subpart's preamble.
Next Steps and Implementation
• The final rule and preamble will be published in the Federal Register, and will be made available
at www.regulations.gov.
• EPA will be conducting outreach and training webinars on the reporting requirements.
• Information sheets and monitoring checklists on reporting requirements for each subpart will be
posted on the website for this rulemaking.
More Information
For more information on this rulemaking go to: www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/subpart.html
For more information on the Greenhouse Reporting Rule generally, including guidance and a schedule of
training opportunities, please visit EPA's GHG Reporting Program Web site:
www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
This information is provided solely for information purposes. It does not provide legal advice, have
legally binding effect, or expressly or implicitly create, expand, or limit and legal rights, obligations, and
responsibilities, expectations, or benefits in regard to any person. The series of information sheets is
intended to assist reporting facilities/owners in understanding key provisions of 40 CFR part 98.
November 2010
2

-------