Speeches - By Date

This treaty B known as the POPs Treaty B will reduce and/or eliminate the production and use of 12 of the most toxic and highly persistent substances found in various parts of the world.

This action will safeguard the health of people and of the environment across the globe.

In addition, the Administration is submitting a legislative package to implement the POPs Treaty and several other important associated measures.

The POPs Treaty represents an important and historic step in global environmental cooperation and a strong endorsement of the acceptance of the principle that environmental threats rarely recognize political boundaries.

The 12 pollutants covered by this treaty B known as the Dirty Dozen B both remain in the environment for long periods of time and can travel long distances and settle in places far from where they originated.

Even though the United States has already taken extensive steps to address the A Dirty Dozen, @ stand-alone action by any one country is not enough.

Some of these pollutants have even been found in the Arctic environment, thousands of miles away from where they were originally used.

By joining with the rest of the world to phase out or substantially reduce these 12 pollutants, we protect the health, not only our fellow Americans, but all those who share our planet.

I am very optimistic that the Senate will ratify this important treaty, and look forward to working with Senators in any way I can to bring about that result.

In addition, I look forward to working with members of both the House and Senate to pass the legislation we need to implement the treaty once it is ratified and has entered into force.

As President Bush pointed out last year when he announced his support for POPs, this treaty shows how much we can accomplish when people can come together in support of common environmental goals.

Now I am happy to invite _____________ to the podium.