SF6 Regulatory News
March 2010
SF6 Gas to be Included in Mandatory Greenhouse Gas reporting
The rule for mandatory SF6 gas reporting has been re-introduced by the EPA, covering electric utilities with a total nameplate capacity greater than 17,820 lbs of SF6 (7,838 kg, app. 25,000 metric tons CO2e). Measurement will begin in 2011 with first reporting due by March 31, 2012 at the EPA. In addition, a new rule has been proposed that would include OEMs and equipment refurbishers who purchase more than 23,000 lbs of SF6 gas annually. This rule is open to public comment for 60 days when further consideration by the EPA will occur.
March 2009
US EPA Releases Proposed Rule for Mandatory SF6 Reporting
For SF6 in the electrical power industry, utilities with a total nameplate capacity exceeding 17,820 lbs of SF6 (7,838 kg, app. 25,000 metric tons CO2e) are impacted. This is approx.10% of US utilities. Emissions are accounted for via cylinder mass balance (accuracy < 1% of full scale with at least annual calibration). The rule is available for public comment for 60 days after which revisions will be considered before a final version is implemented. Data collection is proposed to begin in 2010 with the first report due in early 2011.
October 2008
US EPA Drafts Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule
The EPA has drafted a Mandatory Greenhouse Gas reporting rule which is currently under review at the US Office of Management and Budget. The rule covers all greenhouse gases, including SF6 gas. Upon completion of the review, a proposed rule will be published in the US Federal Register where it will be open to public comment.
March 2008
German Federal Office for Environmental Protection Forecast of 2007 Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
The total output in Germany of all greenhouse gases for the year 2007 was reduced by approximately 24 million tons (minus 2.4 percent) in relation to 2006. The emissions of SF6, however, rose by 6.9 per cent. Measured SF6 emission concentrations in Germany are up 37% from 2000-2007 and show the continued need to reduce SF6 emissions.
January 2008
US Government to require mandatory SF6 reporting
The US government signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Amendment on January 4, 2008. This bill provides funding for and gives the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) broad statutory authority for mandatory reporting of Greenhouse Gas emissions (which includes SF6 gas). The EPA expects to issue a proposed rule by September 2008.