I haven't really followed it but have been aware of it.  I do have an older system so will consider options when necessity dictates. 

The information has been available here for some time.  

Home Inspectors are like a box of chocolates...you never know what you're gonna get

Interesting Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert - I understood that it was not retro-active although it sounds like this inspector wrote it up as if it should have been?

The Freon ban has been well publicized. Yours is  good reminder to watch for alarmist and over-reaching inspection reports.

Is this an issue regarding EPA mandates that have been in place for OVER ten years or the inspector finding an opportunity to promote personal importance?

If it's the latter, make sure the unrepentant inspector is placed on "The List."

The list is important in regards to protecting those who hire a professional.

Like many said Peter this has been around for a while. A

I had not heard, should check in with my HVAC technician.

Another alarmist Inspector. A jack of all trades is really a Master of None. They banned non-flourescent lightbulbs too & you see how that went. Lucky for me I have a lifetime supply of F. I'm going to be offering it at a premium on the dark web. Just kidding, I'm trying to be as dramatic as some of the people who write these things up. 

I thought that this has been in effect for years for all freon from anything. Sounds alarmist.

I've seen many an inspector who couldn't find water if they fell out of a boat in the middle of the ocean.  I've seen them write up doorbells as not working (that were fully functional) and ding a water heater & AC install because he didn't know what part of the condensor unit was connected.

Nope. I remember the original ban on freon and how they replaced it with freon II which was much more dangerous then the previous version. So what's next and how dangerous will it be? If memory serves me correctly the only reason Freon 1 was replaced was to create a lot more money for the AC folks.

This would be a good blog topic for you. 

The EPA banned Freon (also known as HCFC-22 and R-22) for use in new systems back in 2010 after classifying it as an ozone-depleting substance. Through the Clean Air Act, new production and import of HCFC-22 will be banned in 2020.

The ban doesn’t mean you need to replace your HVAC unit on January 1st, but it does mean that the import and manufacturing of HCFC-22 will cease in the United States, which will lead to the existing supply dwindling. The bottom line? Eventually, your system will either have to be replaced with a newer HVAC unit that uses another source for refrigerant or in some cases, your system can be retrofitted to use an alternative source of refrigerant.

Not all HVAC units use HCFC-22 as coolant. You can check what kind of coolant your system uses by checking the sticker on the side—if it says “HCFC-22” or “R-22” you’ll need to start planning for the future of your system.

The freon ban started back in 2010. If the unit is functioning, it is not necessary to alarm potential buyers and the home inspector needs to stick to the facts rather than causing alarm.

Have I kept track - no.  

Am I aware of it - yes. 

I was aware and we are replacing our system this spring.

Freon? It's been banned for years in CA. Haven't thought of it or heard about it in years. No biggie, we dealt with it.