Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Process for Exempting Critical Uses From the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide

EPA is taking final action to exempt production and import of methyl bromide for critical uses from the accelerated phaseout regulations that govern the production, import, export, transformation and destruction of substances that deplete the ozone layer under the authority of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Today's amendments establish the framework for an exemption permitted under the Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer (Protocol) and the CAA and specify the amount of methyl bromide that may be supplied in 2005 from available stocks and new production and consumption to meet approved critical uses. In addition, this action establishes the list of critical uses approved by EPA for 2005.