The EPA report released on Thursday by the Biden administration highlighted the successful prosecution of a California man for illegally smuggling greenhouse gases from Mexico and selling them online. Michael Hart, 58, was arrested in March and pleaded guilty in September to charges related to transporting refrigerants into the US and selling them on various online platforms. This marks the first time someone has been charged for climate change-related bootlegging of refrigerants without the EPA’s approval.
US Attorney Tara McGrath, who oversaw the case, stated that this would not be the last of its kind. The EPA’s report also revealed that the agency has been actively implementing the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act, which aims to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 85% by 2036. This is a significant step towards protecting the environment from harmful pollutants.
Hart was found to have concealed the HFCs under a tarp and some tools in his pickup truck when crossing the border. HFCs are synthetic refrigerants commonly used in older air conditioning systems and are now outlawed under the AIM Act of 2020, which was passed as part of a government spending bill.
The EPA report also disclosed that a total of 121 criminal defendants have been charged with climate crimes in 2024, the highest number since President Biden took office. Additionally, the agency has concluded over 1,850 civil cases and imposed $1.7 billion in penalties on climate offenders in the latest fiscal year, the highest amount under the Biden administration.
The EPA’s efforts to enforce environmental laws have been successful in holding polluters accountable and protecting the environment and public health. The agency’s enhanced efforts have resulted in substantial progress and have made a significant impact in the fight against climate change. The report also highlighted the agency’s commitment to providing comprehensive and accessible information to the public. With the increasing threat of climate change, it is crucial to continue these efforts and hold those responsible for harming the environment accountable.