The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act represents one of the most significant pieces of environmental legislation in recent years that many Americans may have never heard of. Signed into law in December 2020, this bipartisan legislation established a framework for phasing down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the United States.
Understanding HFCs and Their Impact
HFCs are potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, building insulation, fire suppression systems, and aerosols. While they were originally developed as replacements for ozone-depleting substances, scientists discovered that HFCs have global warming potentials hundreds to thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide.
Key Provisions of the AIM Act
The AIM Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs by 85% over 15 years, with the baseline set at 2011-2013 levels. This phasedown schedule aligns with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement addressing HFCs globally.
The legislation creates a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes:
- An allowance allocation system for HFC production and consumption
- Sector-based restrictions on HFC use
- Management of HFC inventories to prevent releases
- Technology transitions to climate-friendly alternatives
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The EPA estimates that implementation of the AIM Act will avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100. Additionally, the transition to alternative refrigerants and technologies is expected to create manufacturing jobs and strengthen America’s position in the global market for next-generation cooling technologies.
The AIM Act demonstrates how environmental protection and economic growth can work hand-in-hand when supported by thoughtful policy and industry innovation.
