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WASHINGTON, DC—Congressman Paul D. Tonko, Chair of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and Climate Change, joined Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan and Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today to announce the final rule to implement major climate legislation Tonko authored that was signed into law last Congress.

Video announcing the rule’s implementation is available HERE.

The bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act spearheaded by Tonko will spur innovation in replacing climate-damaging hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), coolants primarily used in air conditioning and refrigerators, with more environmentally sound alternatives.

“For years, critics have claimed that acting on climate would weaken our economic growth. Today’s announcement is proof positive that they were wrong,” Congressman Tonko said. “I was proud to author the bipartisan American Innovation and Manufacturing Leadership (AIM) Act in the House to tap into the powerful opportunity for growth that a U.S.-led transition away from HFCs could bring. This legislation and today’s rule position U.S. manufacturers as worldwide leaders in the green economy of the future while also being the most significant action taken by Congress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a decade. Simply put, it’s a win-win. I want to thank Administrator Regan and the EPA staff for prioritizing this rulemaking to get the AIM Act up and running. My colleagues and I stand ready to help ensure the successful implementation of this critical climate legislation.”

Today’s EPA rule to implement Tonko’s AIM Act will:

• Gradually phase down the production and consumption of HFCs by 85 percent over a 15-year period, resulting in reductions of more than 4.5 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent by 2050
• Authorize EPA to establish standards for the management of HFCs used as refrigerants, such as in equipment servicing and repair, and for the recovery of “used” HFCs for purification and resale, allowing for a safe and efficient transition out of HFCs
• Result in an estimated $272 billion in cumulative benefits by 2050

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