about the aim act
S.2754, the American Innovation & Manufacturing (AIM) Act is bipartisan legislation led by EPW Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Senator John Kennedy (R-La.). Now law, the AIM Act directs the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a phasedown of the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons by 2035. These chemicals, known as “HFCs,” are potent greenhouse gases used primarily as coolants in refrigerators and air conditioning systems.
The AIM Act is among the most significant environmental laws enacted by Congress in recent years — co-sponsored and passed with strong, bipartisan support. Backed by a broad coalition of industry and environmental groups, the law not only phases down HFCs along the timeline required under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, but it also ushers in the use of more climate-friendly and energy-efficient alternatives that will save consumers money while protecting the environment.
CREATING JOBS BY TACKLING THE CLIMATE CRISIS
Good for the Economy
As global markets move away from HFCs, American companies continue to invest billions of dollars in producing and selling the next-generation replacement refrigerants.
Good for Manufacturing
The AIM Act will improve the U.S. trade imbalance in chemicals and equipment by an estimated $12.5 billion. By 2027, it will increase U.S. manufacturing output by nearly $39 billion.
Good for Job Creation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that the AIM Act will create 150,000 American jobs by 2030.
Good for Consumers
By 2035, EPA estimates the AIM Act will save consumers $3.7 billion.
Good for Our Planet
HFCs have a global warming potential that is tens of thousands of times worse than carbon dioxide. With the passage of the AIM Act, the United States joins a majority of other countries in phasing down HFCs. Collectively, that is expected to help avoid a half-degree Celsius in global warming.
Additional Resources
press releases
Carper Statement on Kigali Amendment Transmittal to the U.S. Senate (11/16/2021)
Carper Statement on President Biden’s Executive Order on Climate (01/27/2021)
Carper secures biggest climate win in Congress in over a decade (12/22/2020)
Carper, Colleagues Announce Historic Bipartisan Agreement on Climate Legislation (12/21/2020)
Carper, Barrasso, and Kennedy Announce Agreement on HFCs Amendment to Energy Bill (09/10/2020)
Carper and Kennedy Introduce Amendment to Phase Down Use of HFCs (03/04/2020)
Carper and Kennedy Introduce Bill to Phasedown Use of HFCs (11/01/2019)