Explanatory note

Hydro fluorocarbons are the ozone friendly gas used as a refrigerant in fridges, air- conditioning and in heat pumps. Refrigeration is an essential industry. Air-conditioning is required for many buildings such as hospitals. Heat pumps reduce hot house gas emissions. Hydro fluorocarbons are a tiny proportion of New Zealand’s green house gasses. In many cap and trade schemes refrigerant gasses have been excluded. In this country there is already a voluntary collection scheme in place and could be made compulsory as it is in Australia.

The bill as drafted will have a disastrous effect on Fisher and Paykel Ltd, McAlpines and Temperzone leading the refrigerant manufacturing industry to move off-shore costing New Zealand jobs and doing nothing to protect the environment.