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EIA welcomes European Union moves to phase out super greenhouse gases

LONDON: The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) today welcomes moves by the European Union to reduce and phase out the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the super greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning.

In twin developments yesterday, the European Parliament adopted a Resolution calling for a rapid reduction in the use of HFCs in Europe, urging the bloc to support an international phase-out of these gases under the Montreal Protocol.

At the same time, EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard confirmed that the European Commission would be bringing forward legislation in 2012 to amend the existing EU F-gas Regulation, and reiterated support for proposals aimed at addressing HFCs globally through the Montreal Protocol.

“EIA is delighted that both the European Parliament and the Commission have recognised that there is a need for urgent and ambitious action to phase out these super greenhouse gases at both EU and international level.” said Clare Perry, EIA Senior Campaigner.

Speaking in the European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg yesterday, MEPs Theodoros Skylakakis (ALDE, Greece) and Chris Davies (ALDE, UK) pointed out that good regulation could be used to spur innovation and that alternatives to F-gases were available.

“Phasing out HFCs is the most significant, immediate, cost-effective and rational strategy available in the short-term for combating climate change,” added Perry. “The EU must show global leadership by rapidly phasing out HFC use in its own market for a global phase-out to become reality.”

 

Interviews are available on request: please contact Clare Perry at clareperry@eia-international.org or telephone +34 664348821; or Alasdair Cameron at alasdaircameron@eia-international.org or telephone 020 7354 7960.

 

EDITORS’ NOTES

1. The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) investigates and campaigns against environmental crime and abuses.

2. Read the European Parliament resolution here.

 

Environmental Investigation Agency
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UK
www.eia-international.org
Tel: +44 207 354 7960
Fax: +44 207 354 7961

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