Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program

The Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program is EPA's program to evaluate and regulate substitutes for the ozone-depleting chemicals that are being phased out under the stratospheric ozone protection provisions of the Clean Air Act (CAA).

In section 612(c) of the Clean Air Act, the Agency is authorized to identify and publish lists of acceptable and unacceptable substitutes for class I or class II ozone-depleting substances.

The Administrator has determined a large number of alternatives exist that reduce overall risk to human health and the environment. The purpose of the program is to allow a safe, smooth transition away from ozone-depleting compounds by identifying substitutes that offer lower overall risks to human health and the environment.

The SNAP program has reviewed substitutes for the following industrial sectors:

• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
• Foam Blowing Agents
• Cleaning Solvents
• Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection
• Aerosols
• Sterilants
• Tobacco Expansion
• Adhesives, Coatings & Inks