GOAL:
Protect the stratosphere from ozone depletion and diminish the threat to the earth from the effects of global warming.

OBJECTIVE:
Limit the release of ozone-depleting chemicals and of heat-trapping, "green-house", gases.

STATUS AND TRENDS:
Although ozone is a harmful pollutant in the lower atmosphere, it is desirable in the stratosphere where it intercepts harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and certain other chemicals drift into the stratosphere, where they react with and deplete ozone. The 1990 federal Clean Air Act Amendments, and an international agreement (the Montreal Protocol) limit the release of these ozone-depleting chemicals. Connecticut's laws complement and, in some cases, go beyond these efforts. Carbon dioxide resulting from combustion of fossil fuels and certain other gases contribute to a different problem - global warming. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, like the glass in a greenhouse. Carbon dioxide and methane levels are increasing globally.

STRATEGIES:

1. Enforce Connecticut's prohibition of the sale of CFCs to the general public and the sale of polystyrene foam made with CFCs.
2. Enforce Connecticut's requirement for fleets of 10 or more vehicles to be serviced at a facility with a CFC recycling device.
3. Encourage recycling of CFCs from cooling devices and auto air conditioners during repairs or at disposal.
4. Ensure reductions in CFCs by 50% from metal cleaning operations using 10 tons per year or more and pursue prohibitions for other source categories.
5. Develop the requirements for leak detection for large refrigeration units.
6. Develop requirements for offsetting C02 emissions with tree and grass planting.
7. Encourage energy conservation and promotion of alternatives to fossil fuel use and all energy conserving sectors.