by Linda Baker

About the author: Linda Baker is a freelance writer concerned with environmental issues.

In early August, Bert Ammons of Stuart, Florida pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act when he attempted to smuggle ninety 30-pound cylinders of CFC-12, also known by its trade name, Freon, in false compartments on his 41foot boat, Sierra. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials, not only did Ammons plan to distribute the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) to auto repair shops around Fort Lauderdale, but his ozone-depleting cargo also had a street value of approximately $68,000. If convicted, Ammons faces up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

Smuggling of CFCs Imperils Ozone Layer

With millions of dollars in evaded taxes and illegal contraband, not to mention multi-agency federal initiatives with names like “Operation Cool Breeze,” it...