Hydrofluorocarbon gases: sale and distribution prohibition: exemptions.

Existing law prohibits a person from offering for sale or distribution, or otherwise entering into commerce in the state, bulk hydrofluorocarbons or bulk blends containing hydrofluorocarbons that exceed a specified global warming potential limit beginning January 1, 2025, and lower global warming potential limits beginning January 1, 2030, and January 1, 2033. Existing law exempts from that prohibition hydrofluorocarbons that are reclaimed, as defined under a specified federal regulation. Under existing law, a violation of these prohibitions is a crime. This bill would eliminate the exemption for reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons and would instead create new exemptions for certain refrigerants, as specified. By eliminating the exemption for reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons, the bill would expand the scope of a crime and thereby impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.