[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 16 (Monday, April 23, 2001)]
[Pages 630-631]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks Announcing Support for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent 
Organic Pollutants

April 19, 2001

    Thank you all for coming. Secretary Powell and Administrator Whitman 
and I are pleased to make an announcement on the Stockholm Convention on 
Persistent Organic Pollutants. This international agreement would 
restrict the use of 12 dangerous chemicals--POPs, as they are known, or 
the ``dirty dozen.'' Negotiations were begun by the previous 
administration, and this treaty achieves a goal shared by this 
administration. I'm pleased to announce my support for the treaty and 
the intention of our Government to sign and submit it for approval by 
the United States Senate.
    This convention is significant in several respects. First, concerns 
over the hazards of PCBs, DDT, and the other toxic chemicals covered by 
the agreement are based on solid scientific information. These 
pollutants are linked to developmental defects, cancer, and other grave 
problems in humans and animals. The risks are great, and the need for 
action is clear. We must work to eliminate, or at least to severely 
restrict, the release of these toxins without delay.
    Second, this agreement addresses a global environmental problem. 
These chemicals respect no boundaries and can harm Americans even when 
released abroad.
    Third, this treaty takes into account the understandable concerns of 
less-developed nations. When these chemicals are used they pose a health 
and environmental threat, no matter where in the world they're allowed 
to spread. But some nations with fewer resources have a harder time 
addressing these threats, and this treaty promises to lend them a hand.
    And finally, this treaty shows the possibilities for cooperation 
among all parties to our environmental debates. Developed nations 
cooperated with less-developed nations. Businesses cooperated with 
environmental

[[Page 631]]

groups. And now, a Republican administration will continue and complete 
the work of a Democratic administration.
    This is the way environmental policy should work. And I want to 
thank the United States delegation and all who helped negotiate this 
important treaty. And after our remarks here, we would like to welcome 
you in the Oval Office so I can thank you personally.
    Mr. Secretary.

Note: The President spoke at 10:20 a.m. in the Rose Garden at the White 
House. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary also 
included the remarks of Secretary of State Colin L. Powell and 
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christine Todd Whitman.