[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 29 (Monday, July 26, 1993)]
[Pages 1410-1411]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Senate Transmitting the Amendment to the Montreal 
Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer

 July 20, 1993

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 (``Montreal Protocol''), adopted at Copenhagen 
on November 23-25, 1992, by the Fourth Meeting of the Parties to the 
Montreal Protocol. I am also enclosing, for the information of the 
Senate: the adjustments, also adopted November 23-25, 1992, that 
accelerate the respective phaseout schedules for substances already 
controlled under the Protocol (chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, other 
fully halogenated CFCs, methyl chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride); 
and the report of the Department of State.

    The principal feature of the Amendment that was negotiated under the 
auspices of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), is the 
addition of new controlled substances, namely hydrochlorofluorocar-bons 
(HCFCs), hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), and methyl bromide. 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 will enter into force on January 1, 1994, provided 
that 20 Parties to the Montreal Protocol have deposited their 
instruments of ratification, acceptance, or approval. Early ratification 
by the United States is important to demonstrate to the rest of the 
world our commitment to protection and preservation of the stratospheric 
ozone layer and will encourage the wide participation necessary for full 
realization of the Amendment's goals.

    I recommend that the Senate give early and favorable consideration 
to the Amend- 

[[Page 1411]]

ment and give its advice and consent to ratification.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
July 20, 1993.