    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 37 (Monday, September 20, 1999)]
    [Page 1759]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

    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 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.