What happens in Washington does not always come to Southern California. At a February 19, 2013 meeting held at SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District), there was discussion of a proposal to add HFO-1233zd (Solstice ™, Honeywell) to the list of VOC exempt materials in Rule 102. Based on our initial observations, the chemical has potential for replacement of HCFC 225 in some, but not all applications. It has a very low boiling point; so, in degreasing applications, it will need to be used in well-contained systems. Given the phaseout schedule and the usage and labeling requirements that go into effect on January 1, 2015, manufacturers need options now. However, SCAQMD action may be impacted by a toxicity evaluation by OEHHA (please see Feature Article); and District Staff anticipates a report from OEHHA sometime in March. I attended the meeting and provided informal verbal comments regarding the need for open, transparent evaluation. We certainly need to protect employees and the environment. However, the regulatory supply chain is complex; I fervently hope that approval will not become entangled in regulatory knots. For the “Preliminary Draft Staff Report for Proposed Amended Rule 102” and related information:
http://www.aqmd.gov/rules/proposed.html#102
