"California Man Faces First-of-its-Kind Charges for Smuggling Greenhouse Gases into the U.S."

A 58-year-old San Diego man, Michael Hart, has been charged with smuggling greenhouse gases, specifically hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), from Mexico into the United States and selling them for profit, in violation of regulations aimed at slowing climate change. This marks the first prosecution of its kind in the U.S. under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act. Hart faces 13 charges and could potentially face decades in prison if convicted. The Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to reduce production and consumption of HFCs, which are identified as potent greenhouse gases contributing to rising temperatures.