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.