    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [September 16, 1999]
    [Pages 1550-1551]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Senate Transmitting an Amendment to the Montreal Protocol
    on Ozone-Depleting Substances
    September 16, 1999

    To the Senate of the United States:
        I transmit herewith, for the advice and consent of the Senate to
    ratification, the Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that
    Deplete the Ozone Layer (the ``Montreal Protocol''), adopted at Montreal
    on September 15-17, 1997, by the Ninth Meeting of the Parties to the
    Montreal Protocol. The report of the Department of State is also
    enclosed for the information of the Senate.
        The principal features of the 1997 Amendment, which was negotiated
    under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), are
    the addition of methyl bromide

    [[Page 1551]]

    to the substances that are subject to trade control with non-Parties;
    and the addition of a licensing requirement for import and export of
    controlled substances. The 1997 Amendment will constitute a major step
    forward in protecting public health and the environment from potential
    adverse effects of stratospheric ozone depletion.
        By its terms, the 1997 Amendment was to have entered into force on
    January 1, 1999, provided that at least 20 states had deposited their
    instruments of ratification, acceptance, or approval. However, because
    this condition was not met until August 12, 1999, the 1997 Amendment
    will enter into force on November 10, 1999.
        I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration
    to the 1997 Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and give its advice and
    consent to ratification.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    September 16, 1999.