[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-

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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.