What’s Happening

Yesterday, the Foreign Relations Committee unanimously sent a crucial climate treaty to the rest of the Senate for ratification. The climate treaty in question – the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol – establishes an international phase down of so-called “hydrofluorocarbons” (HFCs), which are pollutants used in cooling & refrigeration appliances. These pollutants are several thousand times more powerful than CO2 in trapping heat, and therefore contribute significantly to climate change. 

Why Does It Matter

In a rare moment of bipartisanship, not a single member of either party voted against the motion. From the Energy Act of 2020 to the Growing Climate Solutions Act, this is another reminder that Republicans and Democrats can rally together around common-sense climate solutions. 

Beyond the bipartisanship, there are important reasons to celebrate this development. 

Evidence shows that phasing out these HFCs could prevent as many as 50 billion tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, saving the world around half a degree Celsius in warming. As far as climate policies go, the impact will be huge and minimal cost. 

American companies and industry have  been the driving force behind the effort  to phase out HFCs. The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute emphasizes that many of its members have already invested billions in developing coolant alternatives, which would create 33,000 new jobs, grow U.S. manufacturing output by $12.5 billion, and increase exports by 25 percent.

Crucially, innovation will make America more competitive on the global stage. Currently, China dominates the HFC-industry, generating over 60% of the world’s production. Moving toward environmentally-friendlier coolant alternatives will give American companies an edge over Chinese competitors.

My Take

Ronald Reagan signed the original Montreal Protocol back in 1987. It is a fitting testament to his legacy that Republicans in the 117th Congress would lead on this crucial amendment to the original treaty. 

Like the original 1987 treaty, the Kigali Amendment is a collaborative and common-sense framework for environmental progress. Sensible climate legislation doesn’t have to be divisive, expensive, or unrealistic – it can bring together environmentalists, politicians, and business. 

Quote me on it:

“It is inspiring to see Republicans honor Ronald Reagan’s legacy of signing the Montreal Protocol. The evidence is clear that ratifying the Kigali Amendment is good for the planet, good for American business, and good for bipartisanship. This is what true climate action looks like.” – VP of Government Affairs Quill Robinson