    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 14, 1991]
    [Pages 509-510]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting an Amendment to the Montreal Protocol
    on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
    May 14, 1991

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I transmit herewith, for the advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification, an Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that
    Deplete the Ozone Layer, adopted at London on June 29, 1990, by the
    Second Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. I am also
    enclosing, for the information of the Senate, an unofficial consolidated
    text of the Montreal Protocol that incorporates the Amendment, as well
    as the adjustments also adopted on June 29, 1990, under a tacit
    amendment procedure, which provide for a phaseout of CFCs and halons by
    the year 2000. The report of the Department of State is also enclosed
    for the information of the Senate.
        The principal features of the Amendment, which was negotiated under
    the aus-

    [[Page 510]]

    pices of the United Nations Environment Program, are the addition of new
    controlled substances (other CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl
    chloroform), reporting requirements on transitional substances (HCFCs),
    and provisions concerning financial and technical assistance to
    developing countries to enable them to meet their control measure
    obligations. As such, the Amendment, coupled with the adjustments, will
    constitute a major step forward in protecting public health and the
    environment from potential adverse effects of stratospheric ozone
    depletion.
        The Amendment enters into force on January 1, 1992, provided that 20
    Parties to the Montreal Protocol have deposited their instruments of
    ratification, acceptance, or approval. Ratification by the United States
    is necessary for effective implementation of the Amendment. Early
    ratification by the United States will encourage similar action by other
    nations whose participation is also essential.
        I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration
    to the Amendment and give its advice and consent to ratification.

                                                                 George Bush

    The White House,
    May 14, 1991.