Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials said the agencies are collaborating to address illegal hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) importation.
“Using an all-hands-on-deck approach, we must urgently address the climate crisis that is threatening both our national and economic security, and our way of life,” DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas said. “We look forward to working with the EPA and our other government partners to ensure that importers do not undermine our emissions-reduction targets or put businesses who are complying with the rules at a competitive disadvantage.”
Authorities said HFCs are potent greenhouse gases possessing global warming potential thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide — adding that global phasedown of HFCs could prevent development of adverse global warming effects over the next 100 years.
“President Biden has made it clear, it’s going to take a whole-of-government approach to tackle the climate crisis and curb global warming,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said. “That’s why this partnership with DHS is so important as we work to cut these climate super pollutants, protect our environment, foster American innovation and boost our economy.”
Officials noted via Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DHS is slated to partner with the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance to stop illegal domestic HFC imports.