| Author (Person) | Alexovich, Ariel |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.11, No.35, 6.10.05 |
| Publication Date | 06/10/2005 |
| Content Type | News |
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By Ariel Alexovich Date: 06/10/05 Refrigeration is not usually a hot topic, but it will be high on the agenda of the European Parlia-ment's environment com-mittee when it meets in Brussels next week. The committee will vote on 76 amendments to the proposal, which intends to reduce the emission of fluorinated gases, includ-ing a ban on the f-gas hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) in commercial and small refrigeration applications. F-gases such as HFC, perfluorinated carbon (PFC) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) - commonly found in refrigerators, air conditioners and industrial processes - have been found to contribute to global warming. The European Com-mission first issued the f-gases proposal in August 2003 with the intention of helping the EU meet its Kyoto Protocol target of reducing the emission greenhouse gases. The Council's common position on the f-gas proposal was based on better monitoring and containment of f-gases, not banning the gases from certain products, but Irish MEP Avril Doyle, the rapporteur, is now seeking changes. Industries opposing the amendments argue that limitations on f-gas use in the next few years are unrealistic with the technologies available at this time. One of the strongest lobbyists against the f-gas ban is the Confederation of the Food and Drink Industries (CIAA), which uses refrigeration to conserve consumable items. "HFCs are still used in specific refrigeration areas where alternatives are currently not available due to remaining safety, technical or economic obstacles," said the CIAA. The hydrocarbons that the organisation has been testing in its refrigeration practices are dangerous and flammable, says Elisabeth Comere, CIAA manager of environmental affairs. "An HFC ban from 2010 would completely destroy our products before the end of their lifetime, causing massive invest-ment losses," said Comere. The environment com-mittee will vote on the report on 11 October and a plenary vote is expected later this month in Strasbourg. Article anticipates a vote at the European Parliament's Environment Committee on 11 October 2005. MEPs were to vote on amendments to the Council's Common Position on the so called f-gas proposal, which aimed to regulate certain fluorinated gases known to contribute to global warming. |
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| Source Link | Link to Main Source http://www.european-voice.com/ |
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| Subject Categories | Environment |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
