Blumenthal should support Innovation, Manufacturing Act

A bipartisan group of seven senators recently introduced the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2018, a piece of legislation to phase down hydrofluorocarbons, which replaced chlorofluorocarbons, commonly used in the refrigeration and air conditioning industries.

That happened after it was discovered CFCs deplete the ozone layer. However, HFCs have proven to have unintended consequences, including a high potential for global warming and continued depletion of the ozone layer.

The American Innovation and Manufacturing Act is in line with global efforts to reduce use of HFCs with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The United States signed this agreement in 2016 and it has been supported by the Trump administration. Additionally, the refrigerant industry broadly supports reduction of HFC use because there are alternatives available that have lower global warming potentials. Research is also being done to find further alternatives that are more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Sen. Blumenthal should take action on climate change by co-sponsoring this act. The phase down of HFCs is an important step in preventing global warming since their global warming potential ranges from 140 to 11,700 times that of carbon dioxide. Addressing climate change seems like a daunting task, but actions such as the reduction of HFCs are steps that can make a significant impact, especially since this legislation is support by various stakeholders.

If you think Sen. Blumenthal should co-sponsor this act, call 202224-2823 and tell him. Kate Sundberg, Wesleyan Class of 2020, environmental studies and chemistry major, Friends Committee on National Legislation Advocacy Corps organizer, Middletown