Hydrofluorocarbon gases: sale and distribution prohibition: exemptions.

Assembly Member McKinnor's legislation revises California's hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) regulations by replacing the existing exemption for reclaimed HFCs with a new category of "certified reclaimed refrigerants." Under the revised framework, these certified refrigerants must be reclaimed by EPA-certified facilities from previously operational appliances, meet federal specifications, and contain no more than 15% virgin HFC content by weight.

The bill maintains California's established timeline for reducing allowable global warming potential (GWP) limits on bulk HFCs and HFC blends, with maximum thresholds of 2,200 GWP by 2025, 1,500 GWP by 2030, and 750 GWP by 2033. State-owned stationary equipment must use HFCs with GWP levels below 750 starting in 2025, though certified reclaimed refrigerants are exempt from this requirement. The legislation preserves the existing exemption for HFCs used in FDA-approved metered dose inhalers through December 2030.

The California Air Resources Board retains authority to mandate low or ultra-low GWP alternatives across sectors where practicable. Violations remain subject to existing penalties under the Health and Safety Code, with collected fines directed to the Air Pollution Control Fund. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage through an urgency clause, which cites the need to promote HFC reuse over disposal.