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EPA Authorizes Critical Uses of Methyl Bromide for 2006

Release Date: 02/02/2006
Contact Information: John Millett, (202) 564-4355 / millett.john@epa.gov

(2/2/06) In accordance with the Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol, EPA finalized a rule exempting methyl bromide production and import for 2006 critical uses. EPA also authorized those uses that will qualify for the 2006 critical use exemption. The exemptions for continued production and import of methyl bromide will honor the U.S. commitment to obtain methyl bromide for American farmers, in a manner consistent with the Montreal Protocol, while protecting the ozone layer.

This action is authorizing 8,081,753 kilograms of methyl bromide for approved critical uses during 2006. This amount totals 32 percent of U.S. 1991 baseline consumption levels, and amounts to approximately 90 percent of the U.S. request for 2006.

Critical use exemptions are anticipated under the Montreal Protocol for circumstances where there are no technically and economically feasible alternatives to methyl bromide. Further, the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 direct the EPA to issue regulations to implement the provisions of the Montreal Protocol within the United States.

Allowance decisions for 2007 were made at 17th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in Dakar, Senegal during Dec. 12-16, 2005. For 2007, the U.S. nominated 29 percent of baseline, and a total of 26.4 percent was authorized. EPA is beginning the notice-and-comment rulemaking process for the 2007 calendar year.

More information on the final rule: epa.gov/ozone/mbr