Date

Jun 4, 1987

Description

This document demonstrates one of the key factors driving the U.S. goals in the ozone negotiations: the concern that, absent an agreement, the administration would be legally compelled to impose regulations on the production of ozone-depleting substances unilaterally, which could have a seriously negative impact on U.S. industry and its ability to compete in the world market. The cover memorandum, from David Colson of the legal office of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES), to Negroponte, forwards the attached memorandum by Debbie Kennedy of the legal office (whom Benedick says played a critical role in preventing any watering-down of the U.S. position on the eve of the final talks). Based on these legal assessments, Colson tells Negroponte that "it is our best judgment that, in light of the statements on the record that there is a large risk of ozone depletion if CFC use continues at present levels, a decision [by the EPA] to take no action would not be sustained."

Source

Department of State FOIA

Document published in following posting(s):

U.S. Climate Change Policy in the 1980s

Dec 2, 2015