Summary

GAO provided information on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) assessment of the environmental risks and availability of substitutes for ozone-depleting substances. GAO noted that: (1) EPA analysis of ozone-depleting substitutes has focused on its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program which assesses the risks and availability of alternative substances; (2) certain substitutes that are considered ozone-safe could pose human health, environmental, and air quality risks; (3) substitute manufacturers submitted voluntary risk assessments for EPA analysis and incorporation into SNAP regulations; and (4) the phase out of ozone-depleting substances and current development of alternatives has not been delayed by the finalization of SNAP regulations, expected by 1993.