Relating To Climate Change Mitigation.
If enacted, HB197 would require the Hawaii Department of Health to put in place a refrigerant management program that entails regular registration, leak inspections, and reporting for refrigeration systems not equipped with automatic leak detection. Systems that fall below a certain threshold for refrigerant charge would be exempt from these requirements. This initiative would have a notable impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping the state meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals and protect the environment.
House Bill 197 (HB197) focuses on climate change mitigation within Hawaii. It recognizes the issue posed by hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) which, while designed to replace ozone-depleting substances, are now significant greenhouse gases with a global warming potential thousands of times that of carbon dioxide. The bill proposes to establish a refrigerant management program aimed at reducing emissions from stationary, commercial, and industrial refrigeration systems. This aligns with the objectives of the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which aims to phase out HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years.
Despite the intended benefits, there are likely concerns about the implementation and compliance burden on businesses, particularly for smaller facilities that may be affected by the registration and inspection requirements. The requirement for service practices in installation and servicing might raise operational costs for businesses, which could lead to pushback from industry stakeholders. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the State Building Code Council update codes to reflect these changes, which may again invite scrutiny over the practical implications of such amendments on construction and compliance already present in the industry.