Under Title VI of the Clean Air Act (CAA), EPA's Global Programs Division is responsible for several programs that protect the stratospheric ozone layer. Information on each program is provided below, as well as on the sidebar to the left. Policy implementation is not complete without effective enforcement; the enforcement section highlights major enforcement efforts undertaken by EPA and other agencies to protect the ozone layer. Electronic copies of all stratospheric ozone protection regulations are available at the Regulations Page. In addition, paper copies of all regulations and supporting documentation are available at EPA's Air and Radiation Docket.

Various links to additional information on U.S. and international policy responses to ozone depletion are also available.

EPA Regulations

General Information

Regulations promulgated by EPA to protect the ozone layer are in Title 40, Part 82 of the Code of Federal Regulations (commonly referred to as 40 CFR Part 82). You can access an electronic copy of 40 CFR Part 82 at the Government Printing Office's E-CFR site.

Table of all Regulations, Dates, and Federal Register Citations
List of Ozone-Depleting Substances, ODPs, GWPs, and CAS Numbers
Numbering Scheme for Ozone-Depleting Substances and Substitutes

Specific Regulatory Programs

Fact sheets and the full text of each regulation are organized into broad programs.

Motor Vehicle Air-Conditioning

This program (section 609 of the CAA) regulates on-road car and truck air-conditioning systems, as well as technician certification and service equipment for those systems. The sale of small cans of certain ozone-depleting refrigerants is restricted to technicians certified under this program.

Stationary Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning, Halon Blends & Handling

Most air-conditioning and refrigeration appliances not regulated as motor vehicle air-conditioners are regulated under this program (section 608 of the CAA). A number of service practice, refrigerant reclamation, technician certification, and other requirements are covered by this program. In addition, halon fire suppression system installation and certain emissions of halons are covered by this program.

Phaseout of Ozone-Depleting Substances

The ban on the production and import of class I ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including exemptions for certain essential uses, is covered under this program (primarily sections 604 and 606 of the CAA). The phaseout of class II substances is also covered.

Methyl Bromide

Although most affected by the phaseout, EPA's work concerning this important soil fumigant encompasses several different programs, and therefore deserves its own area.

Nonessential Products Ban

Section 610 of the CAA bans the sale of certain products manufactured with, or containing, ozone-depleting substances. This program covers the ban on both class I and class II products.

Product Labeling

This program (section 611 of the CAA) establishes labeling requirements for products that are manufactured with, or that contain, class I ozone-depleting substances. Labeling of products manufactured with, or containing, class II ODS is required no later than 2015.

Federal Procurement (section 613)

Under this program (section 613 of the CAA) federal entities are required to conform their procurement policies to the stratospheric ozone protection requirements of Title VI.

ODS Substitutes

The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program (section 612 of the CAA) area provides information on alternatives to ozone-depleting substances in a number of major industrial end-uses. This information is available in the SNAP area.

Title VI of the Clean Air Act

The Office of Air and Radiation's Hyperlink version of the Clean Air Act