[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.