United States supports expedited accelerate phase-out of HCFCs.

• Author: Crook, John R.
• Position: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons

Meeting in Montreal in September 2007, the parties to the 1987 Montreal Protocol (1) agreed on a U.S.-advocated proposal to accelerate efforts to promote recovery of the ozone layer by accelerating the mandatory phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chemicals that can contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. A Department of State note describes this action.

Following a proposal and strong endorsement by the United States, the 191 Parties to the Montreal Protocol reached an historic agreement to accelerate efforts to ensure recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer at a meeting in Montreal that concluded Friday, September 21, 2007. The Parties agreed to speed up by a decade the phase-out of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). HCFCs were originally considered transition chemicals used as substitutes for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) because they deplete the ozone layer less. The agreement also holds the promise of substantial benefits for the climate system as it will spur development of new alternatives to HCFCs that have low or no global warming affect.

Specifically, the Montreal Protocol Parties agreed:

* That developing countries will push forward setting their baseline for production and consumption of HCFCs from 2015 to 2009-2010.

* That developing countries will also freeze production and consumption of HCFCs in 2013 instead of 2016.

* That developed countries will phase out production of HCFCs by 2020, allowing for a tail from 2020-2030 to meet servicing needs in installed equipment.

* That developed countries will reduce HCFC consumption by 75% in 2010, 90% in 2015 with a phase out in 2020, allowing for a service tail from 2020-2030.

* That developing countries will reduce their HCFC production and...