    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 16, 1999]
    [Page 1550]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Montreal Protocol on Ozone-Depleting Substances
    September 16, 1999

        Today, on the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone
    Layer, I am transmitting to the Senate for its advice and consent an
    amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone
    Layer.
        Preservation of the ozone layer is critical to life on Earth. The
    Montreal Protocol has led to a dramatic reduction in the production and
    use of ozone-depleting chemicals, and scientists report that the ozone
    layer is on its way to recovery. The amendment I transmit today builds
    on this progress, in part by strengthening measures to promote
    compliance with the protocol. I urge the Senate to approve this
    amendment.
        It also is critical that the United States support efforts by
    developing countries to phase out their use of ozone-depleting
    chemicals. Regrettably, appropriations measures now before Congress
    would deny funds I have requested for the Montreal Protocol Fund, which
    has a long record of success in these efforts. I call on Congress to
    approve the funds needed to help preserve the Earth's protective ozone
    layer.