Grant Funding for HFC Reclamation and Destruction

November 17, 2023

Investing in America Agenda

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $15 million in grant funding through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. These funds will support projects aimed at tackling the climate crisis by reclaiming and destroying hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), powerful greenhouse gases commonly used in air conditioners, refrigerators, and other applications.

The Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Biden, has made this funding possible. It is the most ambitious climate law in U.S. history and includes a $1.5 million set aside for federally recognized Tribes. Last year, President Biden ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement designed to phase down HFCs and prevent up to 0.5 °C of global warming by 2100.

The Impact of HFCs

HFCs are a class of greenhouse gases with a significantly stronger climate impact than carbon dioxide. They are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosols, and foam products. The EPA anticipates making four to nine awards to eligible applicants for projects that aim to reduce HFC emissions and increase the reclamation of HFCs through innovative technologies and strategies.

Advancing Climate Goals

Joseph Goffman, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, highlighted the importance of these grants in achieving climate targets. He stated, “These grants under President Biden’s Investing in America agenda will spur far-reaching innovation that aims to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and expand the use of new and existing HFC reclamation and destruction technologies. Destroying unwanted HFCs helps prevent climate-damaging emissions, and reclaiming HFCs helps reduce the need for new production. That helps us fight climate change and meet our targets under the HFC phasedown program.”

Grant Application Details

The EPA is soliciting applications nationwide under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. The grant program is divided into the following program areas:

• Pilot projects for new or improved technologies to increase HFC reclamation.
• Programs or pilot projects for innovative strategies that lower barriers to increasing HFC reclamation.
• Pilot projects for innovative technologies to destroy unusable and unwanted HFCs.

Applicants are encouraged to actively engage with disadvantaged communities, providing them with benefits while mitigating potential negative impacts and risks.

Phasedown and Reuse

A global HFC phasedown is expected to prevent up to 0.5 °C of global warming by 2100. Under the AIM Act, the Biden-Harris Administration aims to reduce HFC emissions by 40% below historic levels starting in 2024, with an ultimate reduction of 85% by 2036. Increasing HFC reclamation for reuse will reduce the need for additional production and support the national phasedown. To further support HFC reclamation, the EPA recently announced a proposed rule to better manage and reuse existing HFCs, fostering the growth of the American industry in this field.

Grant Details and Webinar

The grant funding opportunity is open until February 16, 2024. The EPA will hold a one-hour public informational webinar on December 7, 2023. Interested applicants can find out more about eligibility and the application process on the grant website.