Cracking Down on Black Market Refrigerants Contributing to Climate Change
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There is a thriving black market for greenhouse gases like HFCs, used in refrigerators and air conditioners, that has persisted since the 1990s when CFC regulations arose.
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These gases are potent contributors to climate change, so their import is restricted, but smuggling continues via shipping containers and border crossings.
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A man was recently charged with smuggling HFCs over the Mexico border, the first prosecution of its kind, showing increased crackdowns.
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A new interdepartmental anti-smuggling task force seized enough gases in 2022 to equal emissions from powering 173,000 homes annually.
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Alternatives are being proposed, but consumer demand continues; systemic changes are needed to transition away from these super pollutant chemicals.