Source:
... year-end omnibus spending legislation. Included in that bill are measures that would restrict future production of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) on the grounds that they contribute to climate change.
... HFCs are the refrigerants used in literally hundreds of millions of pieces of equipment owned by Americans—most home and automotive air conditioners as well as refrigerators.
Recharging any of these systems after a leak would become more expensive once HFC supplies dwindle and prices rise.
... eco-friendlier alternatives ... The leading one, called HFO-1234yf, is nearly eight times more expensive than HFC-134a, which it would replace in new vehicle air conditioners as well as other applications.
... scarce HFCs could confer an advantage on industrial competitors in China that don’t face the same constraints.
... companies that make the substitutes. ... are led by Honeywell and Chemours, both of which have patented HFO-1234yf and other pricey alternatives, from which they are predicting billions of dollars in additional revenues.
... Today it is more expensive cooling. Next may be Green New Deal-style climate measures that do the same for gasoline, utility bills, and who knows what else."