The committee adopted the report by Robert GOODWILL (EPP-ED, UK) amending the proposal under the 1st reading of the codecision procedure. On the vexed question of quotas versus type-approval for the use of fluorinated gases in new cars, the committee deleted the new quota system proposed by the Commission and instead introduced stricter limits for fluorinated gases in car air conditioning from January 2009. Whereas the Commission was proposing to ban gases with a global warming potential higher than 150 from that date, MEPs wanted the limit to be tightened to 50. They added that, for small-scale manufacturers, this provision should apply from 1 January 2011.
The committee also wanted to prohibit the use of fluorinated gases in the production of free-standing, ready-to-plug refrigerating and freezing equipment from 1 January 2008. It argued that the use of hydrocarbons was already state-of-the-art in household refrigerators and freezers, both as a refrigerant and in insulation.
Another important amendment concerned prevention of the leaking of fluorinated gases. MEPs stipulated that all measures that are technically and economically feasible should be taken to prevent and minimise emissions of fluorinated gases. This obligation should be applicable to more sectors and not just cover refrigeration, heating and airconditioning but all sectors where these gases are used. The report also introduced a number of amendments on inspections for the leakage of these gases.
Lastly, the committee wanted to enlarge the scope of the regulation so that it would cover not only the containment and use of fluorinated greenhouse gases but also the recovery of such gases, the placing on the market and use of products and equipment containing them and the reporting of data on these gases. �