“Compliance with the Montreal Protocol by all countries and the phaseout of CFC production and use in developing countries is the most important remaining step in achieving recovery of the ozone layer,” said Kevin Fay, Alliance counsel, at a recent event sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) celebrating the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Montreal Protocol.

“Attempts by nations to weaken the phaseout schedules for ozone-depleting compounds, disregard the illegal trade in banned chemicals, or otherwise defy complying with the Protocol’s terms will delay the objectives and goals that governments, industry, and environmental organizations established 15 years ago,” Fay stated.

Fay congratulated the U.S. government, particularly the EPA, four presidential administrations, and Congress, for their leadership and guidance through tough international negotiations and implementation of the Protocol in the U.S.

“Industry has also played a major role including its early recognition of the environmental challenge, its commitment to phasing out CFCs and other ozone-depleting compounds, and its multi-billion dollar investment in new compounds and new technology,” Fay said.

A total of 183 nations have ratified the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

The Alliance is an industry coalition that addresses ozone protection, climate change, and energy efficiency issues. It is comprised of nearly 200 manufacturers and businesses, including a number of multinationals, which rely on substitutes for ozone-depleting compounds, including hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

For more information, visit the Alliance website at www.arap.org.

Publication date: 10/28/2002