California Man Charged with Smuggling Greenhouse Gases in Landmark Case

The first prosecution under the 2020 American Innovation and Manufacturing Act targets illegal importation of potent greenhouse gases.

A California man, Michael Hart, has been charged with smuggling greenhouse gases into the U.S. from Mexico, marking the first such prosecution under the 2020 American Innovation and Manufacturing Act.
Hart allegedly smuggled hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning, concealed under a tarp and tools in his vehicle.
He is accused of selling the smuggled HFCs online, including on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp, and also imported HCFC-22, an ozone-depleting substance.
The indictment highlights the significant environmental impact of HFCs, which can be hundreds to thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the Earth's atmosphere.
The case underscores the U.S. government's commitment to enforcing laws aimed at reducing the production and consumption of HFCs to combat climate change.