WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today released the below statement following the Committee’s approval of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer at this morning’s business meeting. The Kigali Amendment is a global agreement for the transition away from harmful Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), gases commonly used for refrigeration, air conditioning and as propellants, to next-generation chemicals developed and produced by U.S. manufacturers. The Amendment moves next to the Floor for consideration by the full Senate.
“As the world moves forward on the commercial production and trade of next generation ‘Kigali compliant’ products, I am incredibly proud to see the Senate Foreign Relations Committee come together in support of Senate approval for the Kigali Amendment to ensure the U.S. private sector does not lose access to a rapidly expanding global market and to expand business opportunities for U.S. businesses and create thousands of jobs,” said Chairman Menendez. “Kigali is critically important to securing U.S private sector competitiveness for next generation refrigeration and HVAC products, and it moves away from the use of antiquated, harmful pollutants. I look forward to continue building momentum to help bolster U.S. economic interests as the Full Senate prepares to take up this important international agreement.”
Find a copy of the Kigali Amendment HERE.
For 34 years, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone has successfully eliminated the use and production of chemicals causing dangerous holes in the ozone layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. The United States joined the Montreal Protocol and four subsequent amendments to it, each with overwhelming, bipartisan support. The Kigali Amendment is the fifth such amendment, also aimed at innovation and transitioning away from harmful chemicals.
U.S. Corporate and industrial sector support for ratification of the Kigali Amendment includes the National Association of Manufacturers; the U.S Chamber of Commerce; the American Chemistry Council; the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute; and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy.
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