When was the use of certain refrigerants banned under EPA regulations?

The use of certain refrigerants was banished under EPA regulations as part of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, with specific implementation timelines. The significant phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) was initiated with a focus on protecting the ozone layer. By 1995, the production and import of several CFCs were prohibited, aligning with the international commitment established under the Montreal Protocol to reduce substances that deplete the ozone layer.

The timeline is crucial, as it established regulations that targeted the most harmful refrigerants, effectively driving the industry toward using alternatives that are less damaging to the environment. While other dates mention different stages or phases of the refrigerant phase-out, 1995 distinctly marks the period when significant restrictions were formally enacted under U.S. regulations, addressing the environmental concerns associated with these substances.