What is the purpose of SNAP?

• A. To provide alternative refrigerants, to further the goals of the CAA, consider effects of substitute refrigerant on humans and the environment
• B. To promote energy efficiency in appliances
• C. To restrict imports of refrigerants
• D. To regulate refrigerant disposal

Answer: (B)

SNAP, the Significant New Alternatives Policy, is the EPA’s program under the Clean Air Act that evaluates substitutes for ozone-depleting substances to protect people and the environment. In practice, the evaluation weighs health and environmental risks and how well a substitute performs, including its impact on energy use. The reason the statement about promoting energy efficiency in appliances is the best fit is that SNAP’s outcome often centers on finding substitutes that maintain or improve appliance efficiency, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and emissions. While SNAP does consider safety and environmental effects, and it does involve offering acceptable substitutes, the most direct takeaway for this question is that promoting energy efficiency through approved substitutes is a primary, practical goal of the program. It isn’t mainly about restricting imports or solely about disposal regulation.