Cutting HFCs in U.S.: Key Pathway to Deep Decarbonization

Cutting HFCs is a key pathway for the deep decarbonization needed to keep the planet relatively safe. Globally, HFC cuts can avoid up to 0.5°C by the end of the century. HFCs are the fastest-growing greenhouse gases in the U.S. and can be cut through a variety of laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local level, as explained in a new chapter on Fluorinated Gasses by Nathan Borgford- Parnell, Dr. Stephen O. Andersen, and Durwood Zaelke.

The chapter on Fluorinated Gasses is part of ELI’s Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States, now available for purchase. The “playbook” identifies over 1,000 recommendations that form legal pathways for reducing U.S. climate emissions by at least 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. A free pdf download of Summary and Key Recommendations is available for each of the 35 chapters, identifying over 1,000 legal options for transitioning from fossil fuels. 

While both the scale and complexity of deep decarbonization are enormous, ELI’s publications have a simple message: deep decarbonization is achievable in the U.S. using laws that exist or could be enacted, generally with significant economic, social, environmental, and national security benefits.

“A growing chorus of Americans understand that climate change is the biggest public health, economic, and national security challenge our families have ever faced and they rightly ask, ‘What can anyone do?’ Well, this book makes that answer very clear: we can do a lot as individuals, businesses, communities, cities, states, and the federal government to fight climate change. The legal pathways are many and the barriers are not insurmountable. In short, the time is now to dig deep and decarbonize."

— Gina McCarthy, Former U.S. EPA Administrator

On April 25th, ELI will host a seminar and book launch, register to attend live or via webinar. In May, ELI will also release a podcast about the book.

To purchase Legal Pathways to Deep Decarbonization in the United States, visit https://www.eli.org/eli-press-books/legal-pathways-deep-decarbonization-united-states.