Senate Ratifies Pact on Ozone
- Share via
WASHINGTON — The Senate voted unanimously today to ratify an international treaty calling for a freeze and eventually a reduction in the use of chemicals that scientists say are destroying the ozone layer protecting Earth against cancer-causing radiation.
The 83-0 vote came after only two minutes of debate. The Montreal Protocol, already signed by 31 nations, calls first for a freeze on the production of chlorofluorocarbons, and then for a 20% reduction by 1994 and an additional 30% by 1999. The chemicals are widely used in refrigeration, air conditioners, plastic foams and cleaning solvents. Their use in aerosol sprays was banned in the United States in 1978.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
