An EPA decision to ban some types of greenhouse gases will have clear impacts in the fight against climate change, the Natural Resources Defense Council said.

The Environmental Protection Agency proposed the elimination of certain types of hydrofluorocarbons used in aerosols, refrigerants and coolant systems. The EPA said the proposal could help cut greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of pulling 5 million homes off the grid by 2020.

David Doniger, director of the clean air program at the NRDC, said the proposal is a critical step in eliminating harmful HFCs.

"The benefits are clear: this will help curb dangerous climate warming, drive innovation in energy efficiency, and help fulfill our obligation to leave a better world for our children," he said.

The EPA said it worked with industry and environmental groups when designing its proposals, which are subject to a 60-day comment period.

"This action will not only result in significant reductions of harmful greenhouse gases, but it will also encourage businesses to continue bringing safer alternatives to market," EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said in a statement.