[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 139 (Friday, July 21, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33809-33825]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-15379]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 82

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118; FRL-9964-73-OAR]
RIN 2060-AG12


Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Determination 33 for 
Significant New Alternatives Policy Program

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Determination of acceptability.

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SUMMARY: This determination of acceptability expands the list of 
acceptable substitutes pursuant to the U.S. Environmental Protection 
Agency's (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. This 
action lists as acceptable additional substitutes for use in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning sector and the cleaning solvents 
sector.

DATES: This determination is applicable on July 21, 2017.

ADDRESSES: EPA established a docket for this action under Docket ID No. 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 (continuation of Air Docket A-91-42). All 
electronic documents in the docket are listed in the index at 
www.regulations.gov. Although listed in the index, some information is 
not publicly available, i.e., Confidential Business Information (CBI) 
or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
at www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the EPA Air Docket (Nos. A-
91-42 and EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118), EPA Docket Center (EPA/DC), William J. 
Clinton West, Room 3334, 1301 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20460. The Public Reading Room is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The telephone number 
for the Public Reading Room is (202) 566-1744, and the telephone number 
for the Air Docket is (202) 566-1742.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerald Wozniak by telephone at (202) 
343-9624, by email at [email protected], or by mail at U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency, Mail Code 6205T, 1200 Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20460. Overnight or courier deliveries 
should be sent to the office location at 1201 Constitution Avenue NW., 
Washington, DC 20004.
    For more information on the Agency's process for administering the 
SNAP program or criteria for the evaluation of substitutes, refer to 
the initial SNAP rulemaking published in the Federal Register on March 
18, 1994 (59 FR 13044). Notices and rulemakings under the SNAP program, 
as well as other EPA publications on protection of stratospheric ozone, 
are available at EPA's Ozone Layer Protection Web site at www.epa.gov/ozone-layer-protection including the SNAP portion at www.epa.gov/snap/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes
    A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
    B. Cleaning Solvents
II. Section 612 Program
    A. Statutory Requirements and Authority for the SNAP Program
    B. EPA's Regulations Implementing Section 612
    C. How the Regulations for the SNAP Program Work
    D. Additional Information About the SNAP Program
    Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes

I. Listing of New Acceptable Substitutes

    This action presents EPA's most recent decision to list as 
acceptable several substitutes in the refrigeration and air 
conditioning sector and the cleaning solvents sector. New substitutes 
are:
     Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)-134a in residential and light 
commercial air conditioning and heat pumps (retrofit equipment);

[[Page 33810]]

     Hydrofluoroether (HFE)-7300 in non-mechanical heat 
transfer systems (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-407H in retail food refrigeration--remote condensing 
units (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-442A in retail food refrigeration--remote condensing 
units (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-448A in multiple refrigeration and air conditioning end-
uses (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-449A in multiple refrigeration and air conditioning end-
uses (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-449B in multiple refrigeration and air conditioning end-
uses (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-452A in multiple refrigeration and air conditioning end-
uses (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-452C in multiple refrigeration and air conditioning end-
uses (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-453A in multiple refrigeration and air conditioning end-
uses (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-458A in multiple refrigeration and air-conditioning end-
uses (new and retrofit equipment);
     R-513A in residential dehumidifiers (new and retrofit 
equipment); and
     HFE-7300 in electronics cleaning, metals cleaning, and 
precision cleaning end-uses.
    EPA's review of certain substitutes listed in this document is 
pending for other uses. Listing in the end-uses and applications in 
this document does not prejudge EPA's listings of these substitutes for 
other uses. For many of the substitutes being added through this 
document to the acceptable lists for specific end-uses, there are other 
listed substitutes for the end-use whose overall risk is comparable 
except that they have a lower risk in one SNAP criterion, for example 
toxicity or atmospheric effects. However, for the end-uses addressed in 
this action, those alternatives have not yet proven feasible in those 
specific end-uses. If alternatives that pose significantly less overall 
risk--either those currently listed or new alternatives added to the 
list--are demonstrated in the future as feasible for one or more of the 
relevant end-uses, EPA may evaluate whether to change the listing 
status of the substitutes addressed in this document.
    For copies of the full list of acceptable substitutes for ozone 
depleting substances (ODS) in all industrial sectors, visit the SNAP 
portion of EPA's Ozone Layer Protection Web site at www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector. Substitutes listed as unacceptable; acceptable, 
subject to narrowed use limits; or acceptable, subject to use 
conditions are also listed in the appendices to 40 CFR part 82, subpart 
G.
    The sections below discuss each substitute listing in detail. 
Appendix A contains tables summarizing today's listing decisions for 
these new substitutes. The statements in the ``Further Information'' 
column in the tables provide additional information but are not legally 
binding under section 612 of the Clean Air Act (CAA). In addition, the 
``Further Information'' column may not include a comprehensive list of 
other legal obligations you may need to meet when using the substitute. 
Although you are not required to follow recommendations in the 
``Further Information'' column of the table to use a substitute 
consistent with section 612 of the CAA, some of these statements may 
refer to obligations that are enforceable or binding under federal or 
state programs other than the SNAP program. In many instances, the 
information simply refers to standard operating practices in existing 
industry standards and/or building codes. When using these substitutes, 
EPA strongly encourages you to apply the information in this column. 
Many of these recommendations, if adopted, would not require 
significant changes to existing operating practices.
    You can find submissions to EPA for the substitutes listed in this 
document, as well as other materials supporting the decisions in this 
action, in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 at www.regulations.gov.

A. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

1. HFC-134a
    EPA's decision: EPA finds HFC-134a acceptable as a substitute for 
use in:

 Residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat 
pumps (retrofit equipment only)

    HFC-134a is also known as R-134a, or 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS 
Reg. No. 811-97-2). EPA has previously listed HFC-134a as acceptable 
for use in residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat 
pumps in new equipment, as well as in a number of other end-uses and 
sectors.
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of HFC-134a in Residential and Light Commercial Air 
Conditioning and Heat Pumps. SNAP Submission Received February 3, 
2014.'' EPA performed an assessment to examine the health and 
environmental risks of this substitute. This assessment is available in 
Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the following name:
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Residential and Light 
Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Substitute: HFC-134a''

    Environmental information: HFC-134a has an ozone depletion 
potential (ODP) of approximately zero.\1\ Its global warming potential 
(GWP) is 1,430, and it has an atmospheric lifetime \2\ of approximately 
14 years.\3\ HFC-134a is excluded from the definition of volatile 
organic compounds (VOC) under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) 
addressing the development of state implementation plans (SIPs) to 
attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). 
Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant is limited by the 
venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 
CFR 82.154(a)(1).
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    \1\ EPA assumes that compounds containing no chlorine, bromine, 
or iodine have an ODP of zero.
    \2\ We provide information on the atmospheric lifetime of 
individual chemicals where we have such information.
    \3\ Unless otherwise stated, all GWPs in this document are 100-
year values from: IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: The Physical 
Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth 
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 
[Solomon, S., Qin, D., Manning, M., Chen, Z., Marquis, M., Averyt, 
K.B., Tignor M., and Miller, H.L. (eds.)]. Cambridge University 
Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. This 
document is accessible at www.ipcc.ch/publications_and_data/ar4/wg1/
en/contents.html.
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    Flammability information: HFC-134a is not flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat when 
inhaled. The substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by 
vapors in a confined space. These potential health effects are common 
to many refrigerants.
    The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) has established 
a workplace environmental exposure limit (WEEL) of 1,000 ppm as an 
eight-hour time-weighted average (8-hr TWA) for HFC-134a. EPA 
anticipates that users will be able to meet the AIHA WEEL and address 
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in 
the manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet (SDS), in the American Society for 
Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 
Standard 15, and other safety precautions common to the refrigeration 
and air conditioning industry.

[[Page 33811]]

    Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: HFC-134a has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \4\ to the other listed substitutes in this 
end-use, all with an ODP of zero.
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    \4\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
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    HFC-134a has a GWP of 1,430. All other substitutes listed as 
acceptable for residential and light commercial air conditioning and 
heat pumps in retrofit equipment have higher GWPs than HFC-134a, such 
as R-407C, R-438A, and R-507A with GWPs ranging from 1,770 to 3,990.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-use. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other industry standards, recommendations 
in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions common in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds HFC-134a acceptable in the end-use listed above, because 
it does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk 
than other available substitutes in the same end-use.
2. HFE-7300 (1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-3-methoxy-4-
(trifluoromethyl)pentane)
    EPA's decision: EPA finds HFE-7300 acceptable as a substitute for 
use in:

 Non-mechanical heat transfer systems (new and retrofit 
equipment) \5\
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    \5\ Acceptable substitutes for organic Rankine cycle have 
typically been included through listings in the non-mechanical heat 
transfer end-use. EPA may review organic Rankine cycle applications 
separately in the future.

    HFE-7300 is also known as 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-3-methoxy-
4-(trifluoromethyl)pentane (CAS Reg. No. 132182-92-4) and goes by the 
trade name of 3MTM NovecTM 7300 Engineered Fluid.
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of HFE-7300 in Solvent Cleaning and Non-Mechanical 
Heat Transfer Systems. SNAP Submission Received October 13, 2016.'' EPA 
performed an assessment to examine the health and environmental risks 
of this substitute. This assessment is available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-
2003-0118 under the following name:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Heat Transfer: HFE-7300''

    Environmental information: HFE-7300 has an ODP of zero. The GWP of 
HFE-7300 is approximately 310, and it has an atmospheric lifetime of 
approximately 3.8 years.\6\ HFE-7300 is excluded from the definition of 
VOC under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the 
development of SIPs to attain and maintain the NAAQS. This substitute 
is subject to a Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) section 5(a)(2) 
Significant New Use Rule (SNUR) (40 CFR 721.10061) which requires 
notification to EPA before release of manufacturing, process, or use 
streams containing the substitute into the waters of the United States. 
Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant is limited by the 
venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 
CFR 82.154(a)(1).
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    \6\ 3M (2016) as per IPCC 4th Assessment Report.
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    Flammability information: HFE-7300 is not flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include eye irritation, skin irritation, and 
respiratory tract irritation. Ingestion of HFE-7300 may also be 
harmful. The substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by 
vapors in a confined space. These potential health effects are common 
to many refrigerants.
    EPA anticipates that HFE-7300 will be used in a manner consistent 
with the recommendations specified in the SDS. The manufacturer 
recommends an acceptable exposure limit (AEL) of 100 ppm on an 8-hour 
TWA. EPA anticipates that users will be able to meet the manufacturer's 
AEL and address potential health risks by following requirements and 
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS and in any other safety 
precautions common to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: HFE-7300 has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \7\ to or lower than other acceptable 
substitutes in this same end-use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 
0.00034.\8\
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    \7\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-11, 
CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-114, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 
to 1.0.
    \8\ Unless otherwise stated, all ODPs in this document are from 
EPA's regulations at appendix A to subpart A of 40 CFR part 82.
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    For non-mechanical heat transfer systems, HFE-7300's GWP of 310 is 
lower than or comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as 
HFE-7100, HFC-245fa, and HFC-236fa with GWPs ranging from about 300 to 
9,810. HFE-7300's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable 
substitutes in non-mechanical heat transfer systems, including C7 
Fluoroketone, HFO-1234ze(E), and HFE-7200 with GWPs ranging from one to 
approximately 60.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-use. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the manufacturer's AEL, recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and 
other safety precautions common in the refrigeration and air 
conditioning industry.
    EPA finds HFE-7300 acceptable in the end-use listed above because 
it does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk 
than other available substitutes in the same end-use.
3. R-407H
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-407H acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new and 
retrofit equipment)

    R-407H, marketed under the trade name D407, is a weighted blend of 
52.5 percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane 
(CAS Reg. No. 811-97-2); 32.5 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); and 15 percent HFC-125, which 
is also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-407H in Retail Food Refrigeration (Remote 
Condensing Units). SNAP Submission Received January 26, 2017.'' EPA has 
performed an assessment to examine the health and environmental risks 
of this substitute. This assessment is available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-
2003-0118 under the following name:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Retail Food 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-407H''

    Environmental information: R-407H has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-134a, HFC-32, and HFC-125, have GWPs of 1,430, 675, and 
3,500, respectively. If these values are weighted by mass percentage, 
then R-407H has a GWP of about 1,500. The components of R-407H are 
excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 
51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and maintain 
the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant blend is 
limited by the venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, 
codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).

[[Page 33812]]

    Flammability information: R-407H, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    EPA anticipates that R-407H will be used in a manner consistent 
with the recommendations specified in the SDS. The AIHA has established 
WEELs of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-134a, HFC-32, and HFC-125, 
the components of R-407H. The manufacturer recommends an AEL of 1,000 
ppm on an 8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be 
able to meet the manufacturer's AEL and the AIHA WEELs and to address 
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in 
the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other safety precautions 
common to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: R-407H has an ODP 
of zero, comparable \9\ to or lower than the other listed substitutes 
in this end-use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
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    \9\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, 
HCFC-22, and R-502, with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
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    For retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units, R-407H's 
GWP of about 1,500 is lower than that of acceptable substitutes, such 
as R-407A, R-407C, R-407F, R-410B, and R-421A, with GWPs ranging from 
1,770 to 2,630. R-407H's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other 
acceptable substitutes in retail food refrigeration--remote condensing 
units, including CO2, R-450A, and R-513A, with GWPs ranging 
from one to about 630.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-use. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, manufacturer's AEL, ASHRAE 15, and other industry 
standards, recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety 
precautions common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-407H acceptable in the end-use listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-use.
4. R-442A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-442A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new and 
retrofit equipment)

    R-442A, marketed under the trade name RS-50, is a weighted blend of 
31 percent HFC-32, which is also known as difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 
75-10-5); 31 percent HFC-125, which is also known as 1,1,1,2,2-
pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 30 percent HFC-134a, which 
is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-2); 
five percent HFC-227ea, which is also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-0); and three percent HFC-152a, 
which is also known as 1,1-difluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-37-6).
    EPA previously listed R-442A as an acceptable refrigerant in a 
number of other refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses (May 17, 
2013; 78 FR 29034).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-442A (RS 50) in Retail Food Refrigeration 
(Remote Condensing Units). SNAP Submission Received July 26, 2011.'' 
EPA has performed an assessment to examine the health and environmental 
risks of this substitute. This assessment is available in Docket EPA-
HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the following name:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Retail Food 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-442A''

    Environmental information: R-442A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HFC-227ea, and HFC-152a, have 
GWPs of 675; 3,500; 1,430; 3,220; and 124, respectively. If these 
values are weighted by mass percentage, then R-442A has a GWP of about 
1,890. The components of R-442A are excluded from the definition of VOC 
under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development 
of SIPs to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or 
releasing this refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition 
under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
    Flammability information: R-442A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-
32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HFC-227ea, and HFC-152a, the components of R-
442A. The manufacturer of R-442A recommends an AEL of 1,000 ppm on an 
8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be able to 
meet the AIHA WEELs and address potential health risks by following 
requirements and recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 
15, and other safety precautions common to the refrigeration and air 
conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: R-442A has an ODP 
of zero, comparable \10\ to or lower than the other listed substitutes 
in this end-use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
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    \10\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, 
HCFC-22, and R-502, with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
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    For retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units, R-442A's 
GWP of about 1,890 is lower than or comparable to that of acceptable 
substitutes, such as R-407A, R-407F, R-410B, and R-421A with GWPs 
ranging from 1,820 to 2,630. R-442A's GWP is higher than the GWPs of 
other acceptable substitutes in retail food refrigeration--remote 
condensing units, including CO2 with a GWP of one and HFC-
134a, R-407C, R-448A, R-449A, R-449B, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs of 
about 600 to 1,770.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-use. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15, and other industry standards, 
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions 
common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-442A acceptable in the end-use listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-use.
5. R-448A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-448A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:


[[Page 33813]]


 Cold storage warehouses (new and retrofit equipment)
 Industrial process refrigeration (new and retrofit equipment)

    R-448A, marketed under the trade name Solstice[supreg] N-40, is a 
weighted blend of 26 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 26 percent HFC-125, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 21 
percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS 
Reg. No. 811-97-2); 20 percent HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 
2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No 754-12-1); and seven percent 
HFO-1234ze(E), which is also known as trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-
ene (CAS Reg. No. 29118-24-9).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-448A (N-40) in Industrial Process Refrigeration 
and Cold Storage Warehouses. SNAP Submission Received May 29, 2014.'' 
EPA performed assessments to examine the health and environmental risks 
of this substitute. These assessments are available in Docket EPA-HQ-
OAR-2003-0118 under the following names:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Cold Storage Warehouses 
Substitute: R-448A (Solstice[supreg] N-40)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Industrial Process 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-448A (Solstice[supreg] N-40)''

    EPA previously listed R-448A as an acceptable refrigerant in a 
number of other refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses (e.g., July 
16, 2015, 80 FR 42053; October 11, 2016, 81 FR 70029).
    Environmental information: R-448A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HFO-1234yf, and HFO-1234ze(E) 
have GWPs of 675; 3,500; 1,430; one to four; 11 12 and one 
to six; \13\ respectively. If these values are weighted by mass 
percentage, then R-448A has a GWP of about 1,390. The components of R-
448A are excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 
40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and 
maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant 
blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of 
the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
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    \11\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013. Op. cit.
    \12\ Nielsen, O.J., Javadi, M.S., Sulbaek Andersen, M.P., 
Hurley, M.D., Wallington, T.J., Singh, R. Atmospheric chemistry of 
CF3CF=CH2: Kinetics and mechanisms of gas-
phase reactions with Cl atoms, OH radicals, and O3. 
Chemical Physics Letters 439, 18-22, 2007.
    \13\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Javadi et al., 2008. Op. cit.
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    Flammability information: R-448A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-
32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a; 500 ppm for HFO-1234yf; and 800 ppm for HFO-
1234ze(E), the components of R-448A. The manufacturer of R-448A 
recommends an AEL of 890 ppm on an 8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA 
anticipates that users will be able to meet the AIHA WEELs and 
manufacturer's AEL and address potential health risks by following 
requirements and recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 
15, and other safety precautions common to the refrigeration and air 
conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-448A has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \14\ to or lower than other listed substitutes 
in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For cold storage warehouses, R-448A's GWP of 1,390 is lower than or 
comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as HFC-134a, R-407C, 
and R-407F, with GWPs ranging from 1,430 to 1,820. R-448A's GWP is 
higher than the GWPs of other acceptable substitutes for cold storage 
warehouses, including ammonia absorption, desiccant cooling, 
evaporative cooling, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging from zero to 
about 630.
    For industrial process refrigeration, R-448A's GWP of 1,390 is 
lower than or comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as 
HFC-134a, R-404A, R-407C, and HFC-23 with GWPs ranging from 1,430 to 
14,800. R-448A's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable 
substitutes for industrial process refrigeration, including ammonia 
absorption, ammonia vapor compression, Sterling cycle, CO2, 
propane, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging from zero to about 630.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other industry standards, recommendations 
in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions common in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-448A acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.
6. R-449A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-449A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Cold storage warehouses (new and retrofit equipment)
 Industrial process refrigeration (new and retrofit equipment)

    R-449A, marketed under the trade name Opteon[supreg] XP 40, is a 
weighted blend of 24.3 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 24.7 percent HFC-125, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 25.7 
percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS 
Reg. No. 811-97-2); and 25.3 percent HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 
2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-1).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-449A (XP40) in Industrial Process Refrigeration 
and Cold Storage Warehouses. SNAP Submission Received August 26, 
2014.'' EPA performed assessments to examine the health and 
environmental risks of this substitute. These assessments are available 
in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the following names:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Cold Storage Warehouses 
Substitute: R-449A (Opteon[supreg] XP40)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Industrial Process 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-449A (Opteon[supreg] XP40)''

    EPA previously listed R-449A as an acceptable refrigerant in a 
number of other refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses (e.g., July 
16, 2015, 80 FR 42053; October 11, 2016, 81 FR 70029).
    Environmental information: R-449A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFO-

[[Page 33814]]

1234yf, have GWPs of 675; 3,500; 1,430; and one to four,\15\ 
respectively. If these values are weighted by mass percentage, then R-
449A has a GWP of about 1,400. The components of R-449A are excluded 
from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) 
addressing the development of SIPs to attain and maintain the NAAQS. 
Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant blend is limited by the 
venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 
CFR 82.154(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Nielsen et al., 2007. Op. cit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Flammability information: R-449A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-
32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a and 500 ppm for HFO-1234yf, the components of 
R-449A. The manufacturer of R-449A recommends an AEL of 830 ppm on an 
8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be able to 
meet each of the AIHA WEELs and the manufacturer's AEL and address 
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in 
the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other safety precautions 
common to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-449A has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \16\ to or lower than the other listed 
substitutes in this end-use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For cold storage warehouses, R-449A's GWP of 1,400 is lower than or 
comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as HFC-134a, R-407C, 
and R-407F with GWPs ranging from 1,430 to 1,820. R-449A's GWP is 
higher than the GWPs of other acceptable substitutes for cold storage 
warehouses, including ammonia absorption, desiccant cooling, 
evaporative cooling, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging from zero to 
about 630.
    For industrial process refrigeration, R-449A's GWP of 1,400 is 
lower than or comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as 
HFC-134a, R-404A, R-407C, and HFC-23 with GWPs ranging from 1,430 to 
14,800. R-449A's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable 
substitutes for industrial process refrigeration including ammonia 
absorption, ammonia vapor compression, Sterling cycle, CO2, 
propane, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging from zero to about 630.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other industry standards, recommendations 
in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions common in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-449A acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.
7. R-449B
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-449B acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Cold storage warehouses (new and retrofit equipment)
 Industrial process refrigeration (new and retrofit equipment)

    R-449B, marketed under the trade name Forane[supreg] 449B, is a 
weighted blend of 25.2 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 24.3 percent HFC-125, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 27.3 
percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS 
Reg. No. 811-97-2); and 23.2 percent HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 
2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-1).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-449B in Industrial Process Refrigeration and 
Cold Storage Warehouses. SNAP Submission Received October 2, 2015.'' 
EPA performed assessments to examine the health and environmental risks 
of this substitute. These assessments are available in Docket EPA-HQ-
OAR-2003-0118 under the following names:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Cold Storage Warehouses 
Substitute: R-449B (Forane[supreg] 449B)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Industrial Process 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-449B (Forane[supreg] 449B)''

    EPA previously listed R-449B as an acceptable refrigerant in a 
number of other refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses (i.e., 
October 11, 2016, 81 FR 70029).
    Environmental information: R-449B has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFO-1234yf, have GWPs of 
675; 3,500; 1,430; and one to four,\17\ respectively. If these values 
are weighted by mass percentage, then R-449B has a GWP of about 1,410. 
The components of R-449B are excluded from the definition of VOC under 
CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of 
SIPs to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing 
this refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition under 
section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Nielsen et al., 2007. Op. cit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Flammability information: R-449B, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-
32, HFC-125, and HFC-134a and 500 ppm for HFO-1234yf, the components of 
R-449B. The manufacturer of R-449B recommends an AEL of 850 ppm on an 
8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be able to 
meet each of the AIHA WEELs and the manufacturer's AEL and address 
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in 
the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other safety precautions 
common to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-449B has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \18\ to or lower than the other listed 
substitutes in this end-use, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For cold storage warehouses, R-449B's GWP of 1,410 is lower than or

[[Page 33815]]

comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as HFC-134a, R-407C, 
and R-407F with GWPs ranging from 1,430 to 1,820. R-449B's GWP is 
higher than the GWPs of other acceptable substitutes for cold storage 
warehouses including ammonia absorption, desiccant cooling, evaporative 
cooling, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging from zero to about 630.
    For industrial process refrigeration, many substitutes listed as 
acceptable have comparable or higher GWPs than R-449B's GWP of about 
1,410, such as HFC-134a, R-404A, R-407C, and HFC-23 with GWPs ranging 
from 1,430 to 14,800; other substitutes listed as acceptable 
substitutes for industrial process refrigeration have a lower GWP 
including ammonia absorption, ammonia vapor compression, Sterling 
cycle, CO2, propane, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging 
from zero to about 630.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other industry standards, recommendations 
in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions common in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-449B acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.
8. R-452A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-452A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Refrigerated transport--refrigerated trucks and trailers \19\ 
(new and retrofit equipment)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ This end-use category covers a subset of on-road vehicles, 
i.e., refrigerated trucks and trailers with a separate refrigeration 
unit with the condenser typically located either in the main engine 
compartment or at the front of a refrigerated trailer. It does not 
include refrigerated vans or other vehicles where a single system 
also supplies passenger comfort cooling, refrigerated intermodal 
shipping containers (e.g., containers designed to be moved between 
ships, trucks, or other modes of transportation for uninterrupted 
storage), railway refrigeration, or ship holds.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new and 
retrofit equipment)

    R-452A, marketed under the trade name Opteon[supreg] XP 44, is a 
weighted blend of 11 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 59 percent HFC-125, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); and 
30 percent HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-prop-
1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-1).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-452A (XP44) in Refrigerated Transport 
(Refrigerated Trucks and Trailers) and Retail Food Refrigeration 
(Remote Condensing Units). SNAP Submission Received August 8, 2014.'' 
EPA has performed assessments to examine the health and environmental 
risks of this substitute. These assessments are available in Docket 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the following names:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Refrigerated Transport 
Substitute: R-452A''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Retail Food 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-452A''

    Environmental information: R-452A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFO-1234yf, have GWPs of 675; 3,500; 
and one to four, respectively. If these values are weighted by mass 
percentage, then R-452A has a GWP of about 2,140. The components of R-
452A are excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 
40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and 
maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant 
blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of 
the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
    Flammability information: R-452A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of this 
substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may also 
irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs for the components of R-452A of 
1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-32 and HFC-125, and of 500 ppm as an 
8-hr TWA for HFO-1234yf. The manufacturer of R-452A recommends an AEL 
of 786 ppm on an 8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users 
will be able to meet each of the AIHA WEELs and address potential 
health risks by following requirements and recommendations in the 
manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other safety precautions common 
to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-452A has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \20\ to or lower than the other listed 
substitutes in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For refrigerated transport--refrigerated trucks and trailers, R-
452A's GWP of about 2,140 is lower than or comparable to that of 
acceptable substitutes, such as R-404A, R-507A, and a number of HFC 
refrigerant blends (with GWPs ranging from approximately 2,230 to 
3,990). R-452A's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable 
substitutes for refrigerated transport, including CO2, 
direct nitrogen expansion, HFC-134a, R-407A, R-407C, R-407F, R-410A, R-
448A, R-449A, R-450A, R-513A, and Stirling cycle, with GWPs ranging 
from zero to about 2,110.
    For retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units, R-452A's 
GWP of about 2,140 is lower than or comparable to that of acceptable 
substitutes, such as R-410B and R-421A, with GWPs ranging from 2,230 to 
2,630. R-452A's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable 
substitutes in retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units, 
including CO2 with a GWP of one, and HFC-134a and a number 
of HFC blends and HFC/HFO blends with GWPs of about 600 to 2,110.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other industry standards, recommendations 
in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions common in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-452A acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.
9. R-452C
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-452C acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Refrigerated transport--refrigerated trucks and trailers (new 
and retrofit equipment)

[[Page 33816]]

 Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new and 
retrofit equipment)

    R-452C, marketed under the trade name Forane[supreg] 452C, is a 
weighted blend of 12.5 percent HFC-32, which is also known as 
difluoromethane (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 61 percent HFC-125, which is 
also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); and 
26.5 percent HFO-1234yf, which is also known as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-
prop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-1).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-452C in Refrigerated Transport (Refrigerated 
Trucks and Trailers) and Retail Food Refrigeration (Remote Condensing 
Units). SNAP Submission Received July 8, 2016.'' EPA has performed 
assessments to examine the health and environmental risks of this 
substitute. These assessments are available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-
0118 under the following names:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Refrigerated Transport 
Substitute: R-452C''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Retail Food 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-452C''

    Environmental information: R-452C has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, and HFO-1234yf, have GWPs of 675; 3,500; 
and one to four,\21\ respectively. If these values are weighted by mass 
percentage, then R-452C has a GWP of about 2,220. The components of R-
452C are excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations (see 
40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and 
maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant 
blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of 
the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Nielsen et al., 2007. Op. cit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Flammability information: R-452C, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of this 
substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may irritate 
the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs for the components of R-452C of 
1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-32 and HFC-125 and 500 ppm for HFO-
1234yf. EPA anticipates that users will be able to meet each of the 
AIHA WEELs and address potential health risks by following requirements 
and recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other 
safety precautions common to the refrigeration and air conditioning 
industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-452C has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \22\ to or lower than the other listed 
substitutes in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For refrigerated transport--refrigerated trucks and trailers, R-
452C's GWP of about 2,220 is lower than or comparable to that of 
acceptable substitutes, such as R-404A, R-507A, and a number of HFC 
refrigerant blends (with GWPs ranging from approximately 2,230 to 
3,990). R-452C's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable 
substitutes for refrigerated transport, including CO2, 
direct nitrogen expansion, HFC-134a, R-407A, R-407C, R-407F, R-410A, R-
448A, R-449A, R-450A, R-513A, and Stirling cycle, with GWPs ranging 
from zero to about 2,110.
    For retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units, R-452C's 
GWP of about 2,220 is lower than or comparable to that of acceptable 
substitutes, such as R-410B and R-421A, with GWPs ranging from 2,230 to 
2,630. R-452C's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable 
substitutes in retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units, 
including CO2 with a GWP of one and HFC-134a and a number of 
HFC blends and HFC/HFO blends of about 600 to 2,110.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other industry standards, recommendations 
in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions common in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-452C acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.
10. R-453A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-453A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Cold storage warehouses (new and retrofit equipment)
 Industrial process refrigeration (new and retrofit equipment)
 Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new and 
retrofit equipment)

    R-453A, marketed under the trade name RS-70, is a weighted blend of 
20.0 percent HFC-32, which is also known as difluoromethane (CAS Reg. 
No. 75-10-5); 20.0 percent HFC-125, which is also known as 1,1,1,2,2-
pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 53.8 percent HFC-134a, which 
is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-2); 
five percent HFC-227ea, which is also known as 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg. No. 439-89-0); 0.6 percent R-600, which is 
also known as butane (CAS Reg. No. 75-28-5); and 0.6 percent R-601a, 
which is also known as isopentane (CAS Reg. 78-78-4).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-453A (RS-70) in Industrial Process 
Refrigeration, Cold Storage Warehouses, and Retail Food Refrigeration 
(Remote Condensing Units). SNAP Submission Received March 12, 2015.'' 
EPA performed assessments to examine the health and environmental risks 
of this substitute. These assessments are available in Docket EPA-HQ-
OAR-2003-0118 under the following names:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Cold Storage Warehouses 
Substitute: R-453A (RS-70)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Industrial Process 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-453A (RS-70)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Retail Food 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-453A''

    Environmental information: R-453A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HFC-227ea, butane, and 
isopentane, have GWPs of 675, 3,500, 1,430, 3,220, 4, and 5, 
respectively. If these values are weighted by mass percentage, then R-
453A has a GWP of about 1,770. Except for butane and isopentane, which 
together make up approximately 1.2 percent of the blend, the components 
of R-453A are excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations 
(see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and 
maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly

[[Page 33817]]

venting or releasing this refrigerant blend is limited by the venting 
prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 
82.154(a)(1).
    Flammability information: R-453A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    For the components of R-453A, the AIHA has established WEELs of 
1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, and HFC-227ea, 
and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists 
(ACGIH) has established a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of 1,000 ppm for 
R-600 and a TLV of 600 ppm for R-601a, both as an 8-hr TWA. The 
manufacturer of R-453A recommends an AEL of 1,000 ppm on an 8-hour TWA 
for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be able to meet each of 
the AIHA WEELs, the ACGIH's TLVs, and the manufacturer's AEL and 
address potential health risks by following requirements and 
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other 
safety precautions common to the refrigeration and air conditioning 
industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-453A has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \23\ to or lower than the other listed 
substitutes in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For cold storage warehouses, R-453A's GWP of about 1,770 is lower 
than or comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as R-407C 
and R-407F, with GWPs ranging from 1,770 to 1,820. R-453A's GWP is 
higher than the GWPs of other acceptable substitutes for cold storage 
warehouses, including ammonia absorption, desiccant cooling, 
evaporative cooling, HFC-134a, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging 
from zero to 1,510.
    For industrial process refrigeration, R-453A's GWP of about 1,770 
is lower than or comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as 
R-404A, R-407C, and HFC-23 with GWPs ranging from 1,770 to 14,800. R-
453A's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable substitutes for 
industrial process refrigeration, including ammonia absorption, ammonia 
vapor compression, Sterling cycle, CO2, HFC-134a, propane, 
R-426A, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs ranging from zero to about 1,510.
    For retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units, R-453A's 
GWP of about 1,770 is lower than or comparable to that of acceptable 
substitutes, such as R-407A, R-407C, R-410B, and R-421A, with GWPs 
ranging from about 1,770 to 2,630. R-453A's GWP is higher than the GWPs 
of other acceptable substitutes in remote condensing units, including 
CO2 with a GWP of one and HFC-134a, R-426A, R-448A, R-449A, 
R-449B, R-450A, and R-513A with GWPs of about 600 to 1,510.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15 and other industry standards, recommendations 
in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions common in the 
refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-453A acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.
11. R-458A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-458A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Industrial process refrigeration (new and retrofit equipment)
 Residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat 
pumps (retrofit equipment only)
 Retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units (new and 
retrofit equipment)

    R-458A, marketed under the trade name Bluon TdX 20, is a weighted 
blend of 20.5 percent HFC-32, which is also known as difluoromethane 
(CAS Reg. No. 75-10-5); 4.0 percent HFC-125, which is also known as 
1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-6); 61.4 percent HFC-
134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 
811-97-2); 13.5 percent HFC-227ea, which is also known as 
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-0); and 0.6 
percent HFC-236fa, which is also known as 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane 
(CAS Reg. No. 690-39-1).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-458A (TdX20) in Industrial Process 
Refrigeration, Retail Food Refrigeration (Remote Condensing Units), and 
Residential and Light Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps. SNAP 
Submission Received November 7, 2014.'' EPA performed assessments to 
examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute. These 
assessments are available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the 
following names:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Industrial Process 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-458A (TdX 20)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Residential and Light 
Commercial Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Substitute: R-458A (TdX 
20)''
 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Retail Food 
Refrigeration Substitute: R-458A (TdX 20)''

    Environmental information: R-458A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HFC-227ea, and HFC-236fa, have 
GWPs of 675, 3,500, 1,430, 3,220, and 9,810, respectively. If these 
values are weighted by mass percentage, then R-458A has a GWP of about 
1,650. The components of R-458A are excluded from the definition of VOC 
under CAA regulations (see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development 
of SIPs to attain and maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or 
releasing this refrigerant blend is limited by the venting prohibition 
under section 608(c)(2) of the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
    Flammability information: R-458A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat when 
inhaled. The substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by 
vapors in a confined space. These potential health effects are common 
to many refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm as an 8-hr TWA for HFC-
32, HFC-125, HFC-134a, HFC-227ea, and HFC-236fa, the components of R-
458A. EPA anticipates that users will be able to meet the AIHA WEELs 
and address potential health risks by following requirements and 
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 15,

[[Page 33818]]

and other safety precautions common to the refrigeration and air 
conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: R-458A has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \24\ to or lower than the other listed 
substitutes in these end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For industrial process refrigeration, R-458A's GWP of about 1,650 
is lower than or comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as 
R-404A, R-407C, and HFC-23, with GWPs ranging from 1,770 to 14,800. R-
458A's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable substitutes for 
industrial process refrigeration, including ammonia absorption, ammonia 
vapor compression, Sterling cycle, CO2, HFC-134a, propane, 
R-426A, R-450A, and R-513A, with GWPs ranging from zero to about 1,510.
    For residential and light commercial air conditioning and heat 
pumps in retrofit equipment, R-458A's GWP of about 1,650 is lower than 
all other substitutes listed as acceptable, such as R-407C, R-438A, and 
R-507A, with GWPs ranging from 1,770 to 3,990.
    For retail food refrigeration--remote condensing units, R-458A's 
GWP of about 1,650 is lower than that of acceptable substitutes, such 
as R-407A, R-407C, R-410B, and R-421A, with GWPs ranging from about 
1,770 to 2,630. R-458A's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other 
acceptable substitutes in remote condensing units, including 
CO2 with a GWP of one and HFC-134a, R-426A, R-448A, R-449A, 
R-449B, R-450A, and R-513A, with GWPs of about 600 to 1,510.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15, and other industry standards, 
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions 
common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-458A acceptable in the end-uses listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-uses.
12. R-513A
    EPA's decision: EPA finds R-513A acceptable as a substitute for use 
in:

 Residential dehumidifiers (new and retrofit equipment)

    R-513A, marketed under the trade name Opteon[supreg] XP 10, is a 
weighted blend of 44 percent HFC-134a, which is also known as 1,1,1,2 
tetrafluoroethane (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-2), and 56 percent HFO-1234yf, 
which is also known as 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (CAS Reg. No. 754-
12-1).
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of R-513A (XP10) in Residential Dehumidifiers. SNAP 
Submission Received July 24, 2014.'' EPA performed an assessment to 
examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute. This 
assessment is available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the 
following name:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes for Use in Residential 
Dehumidifiers Substitute: R-513A''

    EPA previously listed R-513A as acceptable for use as a refrigerant 
in several refrigeration and air conditioning end-uses (May 23, 2016, 
81 FR 32241; July 16, 2015, 80 FR 42053).
    Environmental information: R-513A has an ODP of zero. Its 
components, HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf, have GWPs of 1,430 and one to 
four,\25\ respectively. If these values are weighted by mass 
percentage, then R-513A has a GWP of about 630. The components of R-
513A are both excluded from the definition of VOC under CAA regulations 
(see 40 CFR 51.100(s)) addressing the development of SIPs to attain and 
maintain the NAAQS. Knowingly venting or releasing this refrigerant 
blend is limited by the venting prohibition under section 608(c)(2) of 
the CAA, codified at 40 CFR 82.154(a)(1).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \25\ Hodnebrog et al., 2013 and Nielsen et al., 2007. Op. cit.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Flammability information: R-513A, as formulated and even 
considering the worst-case of fractionation for flammability, is not 
flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: Potential health effects of exposure to 
this substitute include drowsiness or dizziness. The substitute may 
also irritate the skin or eyes or cause frostbite. At sufficiently high 
concentrations, the substitute may cause irregular heartbeat. The 
substitute could cause asphyxiation if air is displaced by vapors in a 
confined space. These potential health effects are common to many 
refrigerants.
    The AIHA has established WEELs of 1,000 ppm and 500 ppm as an 8-
hour TWA for HFC-134a and HFO-1234yf, respectively, the components of 
R-513A. The manufacturer of R-513A recommends an AEL of 653 ppm on an 
8-hour TWA for the blend. EPA anticipates that users will be able to 
meet each of the manufacturer's AEL and AIHA WEELs and address 
potential health risks by following requirements and recommendations in 
the manufacturer's SDS, in ASHRAE 15, and other safety precautions 
common to the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in this end-use: R-513A has an ODP 
of zero, comparable \26\ to other listed substitutes in this end-use, 
with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.057.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ This is in contrast to the historically used ODS CFC-12, R-
502, and HCFC-22 with ODPs ranging from 0.055 to 1.0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For residential dehumidifiers, R-513A's GWP of 630 is lower than 
that of other acceptable substitutes, such as HFC-134a, R-404A, R-407C, 
R-410A, and R-507A with GWPs ranging from 1,430 to 3,990.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-use. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the AIHA WEELs, ASHRAE 15, and other industry standards, 
recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS, and other safety precautions 
common in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
    EPA finds R-513A acceptable in the end-use listed above because it 
does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk than 
other available substitutes in the same end-use.

B. Cleaning Solvents

1. HFE-7300
    EPA's decision: EPA finds HFE-7300 acceptable as a substitute for 
use in:

 Electronics cleaning
 Metals cleaning
 Precision cleaning

    HFE-7300 is also known as 1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-3-methoxy-
4-(trifluoromethyl)pentane (CAS Reg. No. 132182-92-4) and goes by the 
trade name of 3MTM NovecTM7300 Engineered Fluid.
    You may find the redacted submission in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 
at www.regulations.gov under the name, ``Supporting Documentation for 
Notice 33 Listing of HFE-7300 in Solvent Cleaning and Non-Mechanical 
Heat Transfer Systems. SNAP Submission Received October 13, 2016.'' EPA 
performed an assessment to

[[Page 33819]]

examine the health and environmental risks of this substitute. This 
assessment is available in Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2003-0118 under the 
following name:

 ``Risk Screen on Substitutes in Electronics Cleaning, Metals 
Cleaning, and Precision Cleaning Substitute: HFE-7300.''

    Environmental information: The environmental information for this 
substitute is set forth in the ``Environmental information'' section in 
listing I.A.2.
    Flammability information: HFE-7300 is not flammable.
    Toxicity and exposure data: The toxicity information for this 
substitute is set forth in the ``Toxicity and exposure data'' section 
in listing I.A.2. The potential health effects of HFE-7300 are common 
to many solvents. EPA anticipates that users will be able to meet the 
manufacturer's AEL of 100 ppm on an 8-hr TWA and address potential 
health risks by following requirements and recommendations in the 
manufacturer's SDS and in any other safety precautions common to the 
solvent cleaning industry.
    Comparison to other substitutes in these end-uses: HFE-7300 has an 
ODP of zero, comparable \27\ to or lower than the ODP of other 
substitutes in the same end-uses, with ODPs ranging from zero to 0.033.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \27\ In contrast, the historically used ODS CFC-113, methyl 
chloroform, HCFC-225ca, and HCFC-225cb have ODPs ranging from 0.02 
to 0.8.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For both electronics cleaning and precision cleaning, HFE-7300's 
GWP of 310 is lower than or comparable to that of acceptable 
substitutes, such as HFE-7000, HFE-7100, HFC-365mfc, and HFC-43-10mee, 
with GWPs ranging from about 300 to 1,640. HFE-7300's GWP is higher 
than the GWPs of other acceptable substitutes for these end-uses, 
including acetone, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and HFE-7200 with GWPs 
ranging from less than 1 to 59. Its climate impacts cannot be compared 
directly to those of aqueous cleaners, which have zero GWP.
    For metals cleaning, HFE-7300's GWP of 310 is lower than or 
comparable to that of acceptable substitutes, such as HFE-7100, HFC-
365mfc and HFC-43-10mee, with GWPs ranging from about 300 to 1,640. 
HFE-7300's GWP is higher than the GWPs of other acceptable substitutes 
for this end-use including acetone, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and 
HFE-7200 with GWPs ranging from less than 1 to 59. Its climate impacts 
cannot be compared directly to those of aqueous cleaners, which have 
zero GWP.
    Flammability and toxicity risks are comparable to or lower than 
flammability and toxicity risks of other available substitutes in the 
same end-uses. Toxicity risks can be minimized by use consistent with 
the manufacturer's AEL, recommendations in the SDS, and other safety 
precautions common in the solvent cleaning industry.
    EPA finds HFE-7300 acceptable in the end-uses listed above because 
it does not pose greater overall environmental and human health risk 
than other available substitutes in the same end-uses.

II. Section 612 Program

A. Statutory Requirements and Authority for the SNAP Program

    Section 612 of the CAA requires EPA to develop a program for 
evaluating alternatives to ozone-depleting substances. EPA refers to 
this program as the Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. 
The major provisions of section 612 are:
1. Rulemaking
    Section 612(c) requires EPA to promulgate rules making it unlawful 
to replace any class I substance (CFC, halon, carbon tetrachloride, 
methyl chloroform, methyl bromide, hydrobromofluorocarbon, and 
chlorobromomethane) or class II substance (HCFC) with any substitute 
that the Administrator determines may present adverse effects to human 
health or the environment where the Administrator has identified an 
alternative that (1) reduces the overall risk to human health and the 
environment, and (2) is currently or potentially available.
2. Listing of Unacceptable/Acceptable Substitutes
    Section 612(c) requires EPA to publish a list of the substitutes 
unacceptable for specific uses and to publish a corresponding list of 
acceptable alternatives for specific uses. The list of ``acceptable'' 
substitutes is found at www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-sector and the 
lists of ``unacceptable,'' ``acceptable subject to use conditions,'' 
and ``acceptable subject to narrowed use limits'' substitutes are found 
in the appendices to 40 CFR part 82 subpart G.
3. Petition Process
    Section 612(d) grants the right to any person to petition EPA to 
add a substance to, or delete a substance from, the lists published in 
accordance with section 612(c). The Agency has 90 days to grant or deny 
a petition. Where the Agency grants the petition, EPA must publish the 
revised lists within an additional six months.
4. 90-Day Notification
    Section 612(e) directs EPA to require any person who produces a 
chemical substitute for a class I substance to notify the Agency not 
less than 90 days before new or existing chemicals are introduced into 
interstate commerce for significant new uses as substitutes for a class 
I substance. The producer must also provide the Agency with the 
producer's unpublished health and safety studies on such substitutes.
5. Outreach
    Section 612(b)(1) states that the Administrator shall seek to 
maximize the use of federal research facilities and resources to assist 
users of class I and II substances in identifying and developing 
alternatives to the use of such substances in key commercial 
applications.
6. Clearinghouse
    Section 612(b)(4) requires the Agency to set up a public 
clearinghouse of alternative chemicals, product substitutes, and 
alternative manufacturing processes that are available for products and 
manufacturing processes which use class I and II substances.

B. EPA's Regulations Implementing Section 612

    On March 18, 1994, EPA published the initial SNAP rule (59 FR 
13044) which established the process for administering the SNAP program 
and issued EPA's first lists identifying acceptable and unacceptable 
substitutes in the major industrial use sectors (subpart G of 40 CFR 
part 82). These sectors are the following: Refrigeration and air 
conditioning; foam blowing; solvents cleaning; fire suppression and 
explosion protection; sterilants; aerosols; adhesives, coatings and 
inks; and tobacco expansion. These sectors comprise the principal 
industrial sectors that historically consumed the largest volumes of 
ODS.
    Section 612 of the CAA requires EPA to list as acceptable those 
substitutes that do not present a significantly greater risk to human 
health and the environment as compared with other substitutes that are 
currently or potentially available.

C. How the Regulations for the SNAP Program Work

    Under the SNAP regulations, anyone who plans to market or produce a 
substitute to replace a class I substance or class II substance in one 
of the eight

[[Page 33820]]

major industrial use sectors must provide the Agency with notice and 
the required health and safety information on the substitute at least 
90 days before introducing it into interstate commerce for significant 
new use as an alternative (40 CFR 82.176(a)). While this requirement 
typically applies to chemical manufacturers as the entity likely to be 
planning to introduce the substitute into interstate commerce,\28\ it 
may also apply to importers, formulators, equipment manufacturers, and 
end users \29\ when they are responsible for introducing a substitute 
into commerce. The 90-day SNAP review process begins once EPA receives 
the submission and determines that the submission includes complete and 
adequate data (40 CFR 82.180(a)). The CAA and the SNAP regulations, 40 
CFR 82.174(a), prohibit use of a substitute earlier than 90 days after 
notice has been provided to the Agency.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \28\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.104, ``interstate commerce'' means 
the distribution or transportation of any product between one state, 
territory, possession or the District of Columbia, and another 
state, territory, possession or the District of Columbia, or the 
sale, use or manufacture of any product in more than one state, 
territory, possession or District of Columbia. The entry points for 
which a product is introduced into interstate commerce are the 
release of a product from the facility in which the product was 
manufactured, the entry into a warehouse from which the domestic 
manufacturer releases the product for sale or distribution, and at 
the site of United States Customs clearance.
    \29\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.172, ``end-use'' means processes or 
classes of specific applications within major industrial sectors 
where a substitute is used to replace an ODS.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agency has identified four possible decision categories for 
substitute submissions: Acceptable; acceptable subject to use 
conditions; acceptable subject to narrowed use limits; and unacceptable 
(40 CFR 82.180(b)).\30\ Use conditions and narrowed use limits are both 
considered ``use restrictions'' and are explained below. Substitutes 
that are deemed acceptable without use conditions may be used for all 
applications within the relevant end-uses within the sector and without 
limits under SNAP on how they may be used. Substitutes that are 
acceptable subject to use restrictions may be used only in accordance 
with those restrictions. Substitutes that are found to be unacceptable 
may not be used after the date specified in the rulemaking adding such 
substitute to the list of unacceptable substitutes.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \30\ The SNAP regulations also include ``pending,'' referring to 
submissions for which EPA has not reached a determination, under 
this provision.
    \31\ As defined at 40 CFR 82.172, ``use'' means any use of a 
substitute for a Class I or Class II ozone-depleting compound, 
including but not limited to use in a manufacturing process or 
product, in consumption by the end-user, or in intermediate uses, 
such as formulation or packaging for other subsequent uses. This 
definition of use encompasses manufacturing process of products both 
for domestic use and for export. Substitutes manufactured within the 
United States exclusively for export are subject to SNAP 
requirements since the definition of use in the rule includes use in 
the manufacturing process, which occurs within the United States.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    After reviewing a substitute, the Agency may make a determination 
that a substitute is acceptable only if certain conditions in the way 
that the substitute is used are met to minimize risks to human health 
and the environment. EPA describes such substitutes as ``acceptable 
subject to use conditions.'' Entities that use these substitutes 
without meeting the associated use conditions are in violation of EPA's 
SNAP regulations (40 CFR 82.174(c)).
    For some substitutes, the Agency may permit a narrowed range of use 
within an end-use or sector. For example, the Agency may limit the use 
of a substitute to certain end-uses or specific applications within an 
industry sector. The Agency generally requires a user of a substitute 
subject to narrowed use limits to demonstrate that no other acceptable 
substitutes are available for their specific application.\32\ EPA 
describes these substitutes as ``acceptable subject to narrowed use 
limits.'' A person using a substitute that is acceptable subject to 
narrowed use limits in applications and end-uses that are not 
consistent with the narrowed use limit is using the substitute in 
violation of section 612 of the CAA and EPA's SNAP regulations (40 CFR 
82.174(c)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \32\ In the case of the July 20, 2015, final rule, EPA 
established narrowed use limits for certain substitutes over a 
limited period of time for specific MVAC and foam applications, on 
the basis that other acceptable alternatives would not be available 
for those specific applications within broader end-uses, but 
acceptable alternatives were expected to become available over time, 
e.g., after military qualification testing for foam blowing agents 
in military applications or after development of improved servicing 
infrastructure in a destination country for MVAC in vehicles 
destined for export.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The section 612 mandate for EPA to prohibit the use of a substitute 
that may present risk to human health or the environment where a lower 
risk alternative is available or potentially available'' \33\ provides 
EPA with the authority to change the listing status of a particular 
substitute if such a change is justified by new information or changed 
circumstance.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \33\ In addition to acceptable commercially available 
substitutes, the SNAP program may consider potentially available 
substitutes. The SNAP program's definition of ``potentially 
available'' is ``any alternative for which adequate health, safety, 
and environmental data, as required for the SNAP notification 
process, exist to make a determination of acceptability, and which 
the agency reasonably believes to be technically feasible, even if 
not all testing has yet been completed and the alternative is not 
yet produced or sold.'' (40 CFR 82.172)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As described in this document and elsewhere, including the initial 
SNAP rule published in the Federal Register at 59 FR 13044 on March 18, 
1994, the SNAP program evaluates substitutes within a comparative risk 
framework. The SNAP program compares new substitutes both to the ozone-
depleting substances being phased out under the Montreal Protocol on 
Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the CAA, and to other 
available or potentially available alternatives for the same end-uses. 
The environmental and health risk factors that the SNAP program 
considers include ozone depletion potential, flammability, toxicity, 
occupational and consumer health and safety, as well as contributions 
to global warming and other environmental factors. Environmental and 
human health exposures can vary significantly depending on the 
particular application of a substitute--and over time, information 
applicable to a substitute can change. This approach does not imply 
fundamental tradeoffs with respect to different types of risk, either 
to the environment or to human health. Over the past twenty years, the 
menu of substitutes has become much broader and a great deal of new 
information has been developed on many substitutes. Because the overall 
goal of the SNAP program is to ensure that substitutes listed as 
acceptable do not pose significantly greater risk to human health and 
the environment than other available substitutes, the SNAP criteria 
should be informed by our current overall understanding of 
environmental and human health impacts and our experience with and 
current knowledge about available and potentially available 
substitutes. Over time, the range of substitutes reviewed by SNAP has 
changed, and, at the same time, scientific approaches have evolved to 
more accurately assess the potential environmental and human health 
impacts of these chemicals and alternative technologies. The Agency 
publishes its SNAP program decisions in the Federal Register. EPA uses 
notice-and-comment rulemaking to place any alternative on the list of 
prohibited substitutes, to list a substitute as acceptable only subject 
to use conditions or narrowed use limits, or to remove a substitute 
from either the list of prohibited or acceptable substitutes.
    In contrast, EPA publishes ``notices of acceptability'' or 
``determinations of acceptability,'' to notify the public of 
substitutes that are deemed acceptable with no restrictions. As 
described in the

[[Page 33821]]

preamble to the rule initially implementing the SNAP program (59 FR 
13044; March 18, 1994), EPA does not believe that rulemaking procedures 
are necessary to list alternatives that are acceptable without 
restrictions because such listings neither impose any sanction nor 
prevent anyone from using a substitute.
    Many SNAP listings include ``comments'' or ``further information'' 
to provide additional information on substitutes. Since this additional 
information is not part of the regulatory decision, these statements 
are not binding for use of the substitute under the SNAP program. 
However, regulatory requirements so listed are binding under other 
regulatory programs (e.g., worker protection regulations promulgated by 
OSHA). The ``further information'' classification does not necessarily 
include all other legal obligations pertaining to the use of the 
substitute. While the items listed are not legally binding under the 
SNAP program, EPA encourages users of substitutes to apply all 
statements in the ``further information'' column in their use of these 
substitutes. In many instances, the information simply refers to sound 
operating practices that have already been identified in existing 
industry and/or building codes or standards. Thus many of the 
statements, if adopted, would not require the affected user to make 
significant changes in existing operating practices.

D. Additional Information About the SNAP Program

    For copies of the comprehensive SNAP lists of substitutes or 
additional information on SNAP, refer to EPA's Ozone Depletion Web site 
at: www.epa.gov/snap. For more information on the Agency's process for 
administering the SNAP program or criteria for evaluation of 
substitutes, refer to the initial SNAP rulemaking published March 18, 
1994 (59 FR 13044), codified at 40 CFR part 82, subpart G. SNAP 
decisions and the appropriate Federal Register citations are found at: 
www.epa.gov/snap/snap-regulations.

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 82

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Air pollution control, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: June 28, 2017.
Reid P. Harvey,
Acting Director, Office of Atmospheric Programs.

Appendix A: Summary of Decisions for New Acceptable Substitutes

                                       Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Further information
           End-use                     Substitute                     Decision                      \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cold storage warehouses (new  R-448A......................  Acceptable..................  R-448A has a 100-yr
 and retrofit equipment).                                                                  global warming
                                                                                           potential (GWP) of
                                                                                           approximately 1,390.
                                                                                           This substitute is a
                                                                                           blend of HFC-32,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as difluoromethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 75-10-
                                                                                           5); HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFO-1234yf, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-
                                                                                           prop-l-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                           No. 754-12-1); and
                                                                                           HFO-1234ze(E), which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 29118-
                                                                                           24-9).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The American
                                                                                           Industrial Hygiene
                                                                                           Association (AIHA)
                                                                                           has established
                                                                                           Workplace
                                                                                           Environmental
                                                                                           Exposure Limits
                                                                                           (WEELs) of 1,000 ppm
                                                                                           on an eight-hour time-
                                                                                           weighted average (8-
                                                                                           hr TWA) basis for HFC-
                                                                                           32, HFC-125, and HFC-
                                                                                           134a; 500 ppm for HFO-
                                                                                           1234yf; and 800 ppm
                                                                                           for HFO-1234ze(E).
                                                                                           The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an
                                                                                           acceptable exposure
                                                                                           limit (AEL) for the
                                                                                           workplace for R-448A
                                                                                           of 890 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).
Cold storage warehouses (new  R-449A......................  Acceptable..................  R-449A has a 100-year
 and retrofit equipment).                                                                  GWP of approximately
                                                                                           1,400. This
                                                                                           substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           and HFC-134a; and 500
                                                                                           ppm for HFO-1234yf.
                                                                                           The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           449A of 830 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).
Cold storage warehouses (new  R-449B......................  Acceptable..................  R-449B has a 100-year
 and retrofit equipment).                                                                  GWP of approximately
                                                                                           1,410. This
                                                                                           substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           and HFC-134a; and 500
                                                                                           ppm for HFO-1234yf.
                                                                                           The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           449B of 850 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).

[[Page 33822]]

 
Cold storage warehouses (new  R-453A......................  Acceptable..................  R-453A has a 100-year
 and retrofit equipment).                                                                  GWP of approximately
                                                                                           1,770. This
                                                                                           substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFC-227ea, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           heptafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 439-89-
                                                                                           0); R-;600, which is
                                                                                           also known as butane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 75-28-
                                                                                           5); and R-601a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           isopentane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                           No. 78-78-4).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           HFC-134a, and HFC-
                                                                                           227ea, and the
                                                                                           American Conference
                                                                                           of Governmental
                                                                                           Industrial Hygienists
                                                                                           has established a
                                                                                           Threshold Limit Value
                                                                                           (TLV) of 1,000 ppm
                                                                                           for R-600 and a TLV
                                                                                           of 600 ppm for R-
                                                                                           601a, both as an 8-hr
                                                                                           TWA. The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           453A of 1000 ppm (8-
                                                                                           hour TWA).
Industrial process            R-448A......................  Acceptable..................  R-448A has a 100-yr
 refrigeration (new and                                                                    GWP of approximately
 retrofit equipment).                                                                      1,390. This
                                                                                           substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFO-1234yf, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-
                                                                                           prop-l-ene (CAS Reg.
                                                                                           No. 754-12-1); and
                                                                                           HFO-1234ze(E), which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           trans-1,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 29118-
                                                                                           24-9).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           and HFC-134a; 500 ppm
                                                                                           for HFO-1234yf; and
                                                                                           800 ppm for HFO-
                                                                                           1234ze(E). The
                                                                                           manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           448A of 890 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).
Industrial process            R-449A......................  Acceptable..................  R-449A has a 100-year
 refrigeration (new and                                                                    GWP of approximately
 retrofit equipment).                                                                      1,400. This
                                                                                           substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           and HFC-134a; and 500
                                                                                           ppm for HFO-1234yf.
                                                                                           The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           449A of 830 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).
Industrial process            R-449B......................  Acceptable..................  R-449B has a 100-year
 refrigeration (new and                                                                    GWP of approximately
 retrofit equipment).                                                                      1,410. This
                                                                                           substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           and HFC-134a; and 500
                                                                                           ppm for HFO-1234yf.
                                                                                           The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           449B of 850 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).
Industrial process            R-453A......................  Acceptable..................  R-453A has a 100-year
 refrigeration (new and                                                                    GWP of approximately
 retrofit equipment).                                                                      1,770. This
                                                                                           substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFC227ea, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           heptafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 439-89-
                                                                                           0); R-600, which is
                                                                                           also known as butane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 75-28-
                                                                                           5); and R-601a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           isopentane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                           No. 78-78-4).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           HFC-134a, and HFC-
                                                                                           227ea, and the
                                                                                           American Conference
                                                                                           of Governmental
                                                                                           Industrial Hygienists
                                                                                           has established a
                                                                                           Threshold Limit Value
                                                                                           (TLV) of 1,000 ppm
                                                                                           for R-600 and a TLV
                                                                                           of 600 ppm for R-
                                                                                           601a, both as an 8-hr
                                                                                           TWA. The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           453A of 1000 ppm (8-
                                                                                           hour TWA).

[[Page 33823]]

 
Industrial process            R-458A......................  Acceptable..................  R-458A has a 100-yr
 refrigeration (new and                                                                    GWP of approximately
 retrofit equipment).                                                                      1,650. This
                                                                                           substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFC-227ea, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           heptafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-
                                                                                           0); and HFC-236fa,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 1,1,1,3,3,3-
                                                                                           hexafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 690-39-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           HFC-134a, HFC-227ea,
                                                                                           and HFC-236fa.
Non-mechanical heat transfer  HFE-7300....................  Acceptable..................  HFE-7300 (CAS Reg. No.
 systems (new and retrofit    (1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-                                        132182-92-4) has no
 equipment).                   decafluoro-3-methoxy-4-                                     ozone depletion
                               (trifluoromethyl)pentane).                                  potential (ODP) and a
                                                                                           100-year GWP of
                                                                                           approximately 310.
                                                                                          This compound is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for HFE-
                                                                                           7300 of 100 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).
                                                                                          This substitute is
                                                                                           subject to a Toxic
                                                                                           Substance Control Act
                                                                                           (TSCA) section
                                                                                           5(a)(2) Significant
                                                                                           New Use Rule (SNUR)
                                                                                           (40 CFR 721.10061).
Refrigerated transport--      R-452A......................  Acceptable..................  R-452A has a 100-year
 refrigerated trucks and                                                                   GWP of approximately
 trailers (new and retrofit                                                                2,140. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32 and HFC-
                                                                                           125; and 500 ppm for
                                                                                           HFO-1234yf. The
                                                                                           manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           452A of 786 ppm (8-
                                                                                           hour TWA).
Refrigerated transport--      R-452C......................  Acceptable..................  R-452C has a 100-year
 refrigerated trucks and                                                                   GWP of approximately
 trailers (new and retrofit                                                                2,220. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32 and HFC-
                                                                                           125; and 500 ppm for
                                                                                           HFO-1234yf.
Residential dehumidifiers     R-513A......................  Acceptable..................  R-513A has a 100-year
 (new and retrofit                                                                         GWP of approximately
 equipment).                                                                               630. This substitute
                                                                                           is a blend of HFC-
                                                                                           134a, which is also
                                                                                           known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          This blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm and 500 ppm
                                                                                           (8-hr TWA) for HFC-
                                                                                           134a and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           respectively. The
                                                                                           manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           513A of 653 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).
Residential and light         HFC-134a....................  Acceptable..................  HFC-134a has a 100-
 commercial air conditioning                                                               year GWP of 1,430.
 and heat pumps (retrofit                                                                  HFC-134a is also
 equipment).                                                                               known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2).
                                                                                          HFC-134a is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established a WEEL of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-134a.
Residential and light         R-458A......................  Acceptable..................  R-458A has a 100-yr
 commercial air conditioning                                                               GWP of approximately
 and heat pumps (retrofit                                                                  1,650. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFC-227ea, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           heptafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-
                                                                                           0); and HFC-236fa,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 1,1,1,3,3,3-
                                                                                           hexafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 690-39-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          This blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           HFC-134a, HFC-227ea,
                                                                                           and HFC-236fa.

[[Page 33824]]

 
Retail food refrigeration--   R-407H......................  Acceptable..................  R-407H has a 100-yr
 remote condensing units                                                                   GWP of approximately
 (new and retrofit                                                                         1,500. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-134a, which is
                                                                                           also known as 1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           and HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6).
                                                                                          This blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-134a, HFC-32,
                                                                                           and HFC-125. The
                                                                                           manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           407H of 1,000 ppm (8-
                                                                                           hour TWA).
Retail food refrigeration--   R-442A......................  Acceptable..................  R-442A has a 100-yr
 remote condensing units                                                                   GWP of approximately
 (new and retrofit                                                                         1,890. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFC-227ea, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           heptafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-
                                                                                           0); and HFC-152a,
                                                                                           which is known as 1,1-
                                                                                           difluoroethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-37-6).
                                                                                          This blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           HFC-134a, HFC-227ea,
                                                                                           and HFC-152a. The
                                                                                           manufacturer of R-
                                                                                           442A recommends an
                                                                                           AEL of 1,000 ppm on
                                                                                           an 8-hour TWA for the
                                                                                           blend.
Retail food refrigeration--   R-452A......................  Acceptable..................  R-452A has a 100-year
 remote condensing units                                                                   GWP of approximately
 (new and retrofit                                                                         2,140. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32 and HFC-
                                                                                           125; and 500 ppm for
                                                                                           HFO-1234yf. The
                                                                                           manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           452A of 786 ppm (8-
                                                                                           hour TWA).
Retail food refrigeration--   R-452C......................  Acceptable..................  R-452C has a 100-year
 remote condensing units                                                                   GWP of approximately
 (new and retrofit                                                                         2,220. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); and HFO-1234yf,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroprop-l-ene
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 754-12-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32 and HFC-
                                                                                           125; and 500 ppm for
                                                                                           HFO-1234yf.
Retail food refrigeration--   R-453A......................  Acceptable..................  R-453A has a 100-year
 remote condensing units                                                                   GWP of approximately
 (new and retrofit                                                                         1,770. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFC227ea, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           heptafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 439-89-
                                                                                           0); R-600, which is
                                                                                           also known as butane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 75-28-
                                                                                           5); and R-601a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           isopentane (CAS Reg.
                                                                                           No. 78-78-4).
                                                                                          The blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           HFC-134a, and HFC-
                                                                                           227ea, and the
                                                                                           American Conference
                                                                                           of Governmental
                                                                                           Industrial Hygienists
                                                                                           has established a
                                                                                           Threshold Limit Value
                                                                                           (TLV) of 1,000 ppm
                                                                                           for R-600 and a TLV
                                                                                           of 600 ppm for R-
                                                                                           601a, both as an 8-hr
                                                                                           TWA. The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for R-
                                                                                           453A of 1000 ppm (8-
                                                                                           hour TWA).
Retail food refrigeration--   R-458A......................  Acceptable..................  R-458A has a 100-yr
 remote condensing units                                                                   GWP of approximately
 (new and retrofit                                                                         1,650. This
 equipment).                                                                               substitute is a blend
                                                                                           of HFC-32, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           difluoromethane (CAS
                                                                                           Reg. No. 75-10-5);
                                                                                           HFC-125, which is
                                                                                           also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,2-
                                                                                           pentafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 354-33-
                                                                                           6); HFC-134a, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2-
                                                                                           tetrafluoroethane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 811-97-
                                                                                           2); HFC-227ea, which
                                                                                           is also known as
                                                                                           1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
                                                                                           heptafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 431-89-
                                                                                           0); and HFC-236fa,
                                                                                           which is also known
                                                                                           as 1,1,1,3,3,3-
                                                                                           hexafluoropropane
                                                                                           (CAS Reg. No. 690-39-
                                                                                           1).
                                                                                          This blend is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The AIHA has
                                                                                           established WEELs of
                                                                                           1,000 ppm (8-hr TWA)
                                                                                           for HFC-32, HFC-125,
                                                                                           HFC-134a, HFC-227ea,
                                                                                           and HFC-236fa.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[[Page 33825]]


                                                Cleaning Solvents
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                            Further information
           End-use                     Substitute                     Decision                      \1\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Electronics cleaning, metals  HFE-7300....................  Acceptable..................  HFE-7300 (CAS Reg. No.
 cleaning, precision          (1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-                                        132182-92-4) has no
 cleaning.                     decafluoro-3-methoxy-4-                                     ozone depletion
                               (trifluoromethyl)pentane).                                  potential (ODP) and a
                                                                                           100-year GWP of
                                                                                           approximately 310. It
                                                                                           is excluded from the
                                                                                           definition of
                                                                                           volatile organic
                                                                                           compounds under CAA
                                                                                           regulations (see 40
                                                                                           CFR 51.100(s))
                                                                                           addressing the
                                                                                           development of state
                                                                                           implementation plans
                                                                                           (SIPs) to attain and
                                                                                           maintain the National
                                                                                           Ambient Air Quality
                                                                                           Standards (NAAQS).
                                                                                          This compound is
                                                                                           nonflammable.
                                                                                          The manufacturer
                                                                                           recommends an AEL for
                                                                                           the workplace for HFE-
                                                                                           7300 of 100 ppm (8-hr
                                                                                           TWA).
                                                                                          This substitute is
                                                                                           subject to a Toxic
                                                                                           Substance Control Act
                                                                                           (TSCA) section
                                                                                           5(a)(2) Significant
                                                                                           New Use Rule (SNUR)
                                                                                           (40 CFR 721.10061).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Observe recommendations in the manufacturer's SDS and guidance for all listed substitutes.

[FR Doc. 2017-15379 Filed 7-20-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P