Kaine Statement on Passage of Kigali Treaty

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement on Senate ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocols (Kigali Treaty), which would curb the use of hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases that contribute heavily to climate change:

“I have long said that we don’t need to choose between fighting climate change and creating jobs—we can use American innovation to do both. I’m proud that, by ratifying the Kigali Treaty, we’re cementing the United States as a world leader on climate while strengthening our economic competitiveness with countries like China. We can boost American businesses and American manufacturing while also dramatically reducing environmental impacts.”

The Kigali Treaty has been agreed to by over 100 countries around the world, and would help the U.S. phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are found in many common household appliances like air conditioners. HFCs are extremely damaging to the atmosphere, and the Kigali Treaty aims to reduce HFC consumption by over 80% by 2047. This would avoid up to 0.9°F (0.5°C) of warming by the end of the 21st century. This treaty would also promote investment and innovation by opening U.S. companies to markets for HFC alternatives overseas.

###