Section 39736 - Assessment of how to transition to ultra-low GWP or no-GWP alternatives(a) The state board shall post an assessment on its internet website by January 1, 2025, specifying how to transition the state's economy, by sector, away from hydrofluorocarbons and to ultra-low GWP or no-GWP alternatives no later than 2035 through maximizing recovery and reclamation and increasing adoption of new low and ultra-low GWP alternative refrigerants.(b) The assessment prepared pursuant to subdivision (a) shall include all of the following: (1) A list of all existing sources of incentives for reducing hydrofluorocarbon emissions to the levels specified in Section 39730.5, and whether the required global warming potential of the technology supported in these incentive programs should be lowered.(2)(A) Proposals for additional incentives, safety testing, and demonstration projects that may be needed to aid the state in transitioning away from hydrofluorocarbons, in increasing availability and access to low GWP, ultra-low GWP, or no-GWP refrigerant technologies available in other countries in the California market, and in increasing refrigerant recovery and reclamation in California.(B) The safety testing described in subparagraph (A) shall include any safety testing needed to assess proposals to update safety standards and codes for design and use of equipment using low or ultra-low GWPs. The state board may consult with expert agencies and organizations in carrying out this subparagraph.(3) Suggested legislative or regulatory changes necessary to transition away from hydrofluorocarbons.(4) Recommendations on any interim steps required to fully transition to ultra-low GWP or no-GWP alternatives, including recommendations for how to establish a robust reclamation system for hydrofluorocarbons with higher global warming potentials. The State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission shall conduct an analysis of issues preventing high levels of hydrofluorocarbon reclamation today, which shall include an analysis of the reverse supply chain and interviews with appliance technicians servicing appliances using hydrofluorocarbons in the state and with refrigerant distributors and wholesalers to identify fundamental barriers to reclaiming refrigerant.(5) Workforce training and certification recommendations to grow the workforce of technicians capable of handling ultra-low GWP or no-GWP alternatives and servicing the new appliances that use these refrigerants.(c) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply: (1) "Global warming potential" or "GWP" has the same meaning as defined in Section 39735.(2) "Low GWP" means GWP of less than 150.(3) "Ultra-low GWP" means GWP of less than 10.Ca. Health and Saf. Code § 39736
Added by Stats 2022 ch 884 (SB 1206),s 3, eff. 1/1/2023.