New regulations will better protect ozone layer and improve air quality

Tom Osborne, Minister of Environment and Conservation, today said that government is serious about controlling air pollution and enhancing our air quality and is, therefore, pleased to announce new Halocarbon Regulations for the province that will ensure stronger protection of our ozone layer from halocarbons, commonly known as ozone-depleting substances.

Minister Osborne said government amended and strengthened its previous Ozone Depleting Substance Regulations to create the new Halocarbon Regulations.

Halocarbons are a group of synthetic, carbon-based chemical compounds used primarily in refrigeration, air conditioning and fire extinguishing systems. These substances, such as CFC�s and Halons, can damage the ozone layer, which increases the level of ultraviolet radiation reaching the earth and, in turn, can potentially cause harm to our health, such as sunburn or skin cancer. Halocarbons also contribute to global warming.

�Government is committed to doing its part to protect the ozone layer and helping ensure clean air for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,� said Minister Osborne. �The Halocarbon Regulations demonstrate yet another example of our action to preserve the environment and provide stronger environmental protection of our ozone layer by reducing the amount of those substances released into the atmosphere.�

Minister Osborne added that implementing new Halocarbon Reguations also supports the province�s recently announced Climate Change Action Plan. �While carbon dioxide is the major concern for climate change, certain halocarbons are among the greenhouse gases that are listed under the Kyoto Protocol,� said the minister. �These regulations allow us to better manage and control the use of such substances.�

The minister explained that the new Halocarbon Regulations will be implemented in a phased approach. The use of restricted refrigerants in commercial air conditioning units will be phased out by January 1, 2006. The use of Halon in large fire suppression systems will be prohibited as of January 1, 2010, while the phase-out date for large chillers is January 2015.

Minister Osborne said industry was consulted on the Halocarbon Regulations and noted that the regulations are consistent with practices that are already being developed by industry, such as mobile air-conditioning where alternative substances are already being used which are less damaging to the ozone layer.

Minister Osborne said this province�s new Halocarbon Regulations are also in line with the direction being taken by the federal government and other provinces and territories to phase out the use of ozone depleting substances. �Our regulations are consistent with the current national standards on ozone depleting substances contained in the National Action Plan and ensure harmonization with other provincial jurisdictions,� added the minister. �Adopting the Halocarbon Regulations is also part of government�s commitment to the Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment for harmonization of environmental standards.�


Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-2575, 685-6612

2005 07 28                       11:35 a.m.