A Message to the Senate on the Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

TO THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:

With a view to receiving the advice and consent of the Senate to ratification, I transmit herewith the Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the “Montreal Protocol”), adopted at Kigali on October 15, 2016, by the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (the “Kigali Amendment”).  The report of the Department of State is also enclosed for the information of the Senate.

The principal features of the Kigali Amendment provide for a gradual phasedown in the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are alternatives to ozone-depleting substances being phased out under the Montreal Protocol, as well as related provisions concerning reporting, licensing, control of trade with non-Parties, and control of certain byproduct emissions.

The United States has sufficient domestic authority to implement obligations under the Kigali Amendment, including through the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act of 2020 (the “AIM Act”) and the Clean Air Act.  The Environmental Protection Agency’s recent rulemakings under the AIM Act establish a domestic HFC allocation system and other provisions that would enable the United States to begin implementation of the provisions of the Kigali Amendment.

The Kigali Amendment has strong support from the U.S. business community and nongovernmental organizations.  Ratification by the United States would advance U.S. interests in remaining a leader in the development and deployment of HFC alternatives, ensuring access to rapidly growing refrigeration and cooling markets overseas and stimulating U.S. investment, exports, and job growth in this sector. Ratification will also ensure the United States continues to have a full voice to represent U.S. economic and environmental interests as implementation of the Kigali Amendment moves forward in coming years.

The Kigali Amendment entered into force on January 1, 2019, and there are currently 124 Parties to the Amendment.  The Senate has given its advice and consent to ratification of all four previous amendments to the Montreal Protocol, with bipartisan support.  I recommend that the Senate give favorable consideration to the Kigali Amendment and give its advice and consent to ratification at the earliest date.
                             

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. 

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    November 16, 2021.