Washington, D.C. – Today, in response to Senate ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the 2016 Montreal Protocol to phase out use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are chemicals used in refrigerators, air conditioners, and insulating foams among other applications, and are potent greenhouse gases thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) issued the following statement from Sara Chieffo, LCV Vice President of Government Affairs:

“We are thrilled to see the United States join 137 countries around the world in ratifying the Kigali Amendment, which will not only help tackle climate change by phasing down polluting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), but also support U.S. manufacturing and create tens of thousands of jobs. Ratifying this amendment is a big deal for the climate, helping to avoid the climate-warming emissions equivalent of two years’ worth of the entire world’s emissions today by 2050, and up to half a degree Celsius of warming this century. We are grateful to Leader Schumer, Chairman Carper, and every senator who supported the amendment for taking this important step which helps further re-establish American leadership on climate at the global level.”

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