America's first greenhouse gas smuggler charged with importing 'super ... trends now
A California man has become the first American to be charged with smuggling greenhouse gases into the US and could face up to 20 years in prison for the crimes.
Michael Hart, 58, was arrested Monday due to violating a 2020 federal regulation that prohibits the importation of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which is a synthetic gas used in refrigerators and air conditioners.
HFCs can be hundreds to thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere, exacerbating the climate crisis.
Hart allegedly snuck the 'super pollutants' into the US from Mexico and proceeded to sell the man-made organic compounds for a profit.
He made his first appearance in federal court shortly after being taken into custody, where he entered a not-guilty plea - Hart's next hearing is on March 25.
Hart allegedly snuck the 'super pollutants' into the US from Mexico and proceeded to sell the man-made organic compounds for a profit (stock)
The US Department of Justice told DailyMail.com that Hart's photo has not yet been released to the public.
This is the first prosecution in the United States to include charges related to the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (AIM Act).
The law calls for an 85 percent reduction in production and use of the climate-damaging chemicals by 2036.
It aligns with an 2016 international agreement that compels the US and other countries to limit use of HFCs.
David Uhlmann, assistant administrator for enforcement at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), said: 'The illegal smuggling of hydrofluorocarbons, a highly potent greenhouse gas, undermines international efforts to combat climate change.
'Anyone who seeks to profit from illegal actions that worsen climate change must be held accountable.'
A federal indictment alleges that Hart concealed the refrigerants under a tarp and tools inside his vehicle as he passed through Mexico's border
