A San Diego man has made headlines as the first person in the United States to be charged with smuggling greenhouse gases into the country from Mexico. Michael Hart, 58, was arrested on suspicion of illegally importing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and then selling them for profit, according to federal prosecutors.

HFCs are potent greenhouse gases that are commonly used as refrigerants in various applications, such as air conditioning and building insulation. They are considered major contributors to global warming and have been the subject of climate legislation and international treaties. In fact, importing HFCs without proper allowances from the Environmental Protection Agency has been illegal in the U.S. since 2020.

Hart is accused of hiding the smuggled HFCs in his vehicle to transport them across the border from Mexico. The indictment against him also alleges that he sold the refrigerants online through platforms like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace. Additionally, Hart is said to have imported another ozone-depleting substance, HCFC-22, which is heavily regulated by federal officials.

“This is the first time the Department of Justice is prosecuting someone for illegally importing greenhouse gases, and it will not be the last,” stated Tara McGrath, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of California. “We are using every means possible to protect our planet from the harm caused by toxic pollutants, including bringing criminal charges.”

The arrest of Hart underscores the significance of enforcing laws aimed at combating climate change and preventing the illegal entry of climate super pollutants like HFCs. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement aimed at reducing the use and production of HFCs, was signed by nearly 200 nations in 2016. The United States, however, did not join the agreement until 2021, following President Biden’s inauguration.

David M. Uhlmann, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, emphasized the importance of holding individuals like Hart accountable for illegal actions that contribute to climate change. He highlighted the EPA’s climate enforcement initiative and efforts to prevent harmful refrigerants from entering the country unlawfully.

The news of Hart’s arrest serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by environmental crimes and the critical need for global cooperation in addressing climate change. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched to see how justice is served in the protection of our planet and its inhabitants.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.