Politicians Agree (for Once): This Dangerous Gas Needs to Go!

American firms and environmentalists have convinced lawmakers to ban hydrofluorocarbons. The chemical, also known as HFCs, is used in air conditioners and refrigeration – and is a major driver of global warming.

For a rare moment, US politicians were on the same side. “This agreement protects both American consumers and American businesses,” says Republican Senator John Barrasso, Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee and one of the Republicans who joined forces with Democrats in proposing to phase out the production and importation of HFCs by 85% over the next 15 years. “We can have clean air without damaging our economy.”

This proposal is “a major breakthrough” as it could create an estimated 33,000 new jobs, increase US manufacturing output by 12.5 billion and boost exports by 25%. It is also celebrated by environmentalists who see this decision as a step towards getting the climate crisis under control as HFCs have thousands of times the warming potential of carbon dioxide. “At a time when we could all use some good news, this is great news for our economy and our planet. Let’s get it done,” says Democrat Senator Thomas R. Carper.