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Trade Groups, Lawmakers Speak Out in Support of the Kigali Amendment Several groups are focusing on advancing the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which calls for a worldwide phase-down in the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons. The Kigali amendment, if ratified, establishes multiple legally binding schedules for participating countries to cap and phase-down the use of HFCs in favor of alternatives with lower global warming potential.

In July, the Let America Lead coalition announced its formation to work with conservative leaders at the local, state and national level, manufacturers and businesses.

“Given a fair shot, American workers and innovation will compete and win in a global market. Our companies have invested billions of dollars in research and development of next-generation cooling technology that has already created new jobs.”

–Jamie Rhoades, spokeswoman for Let America Lead

Jamie Rhoades, a spokeswoman for Let America Lead, said the group plans to demonstrate to President Trump why support for the Kigali Amendment is a win for American workers and urge him to send it to the U.S. Senate for ratification. However, Rhoades said the group won’t be lobbying as part of its efforts.

“Our coalition is focused on showing the public the benefits of Kigali ratication, and hoping that our work will help convince President Trump to send the amendment to the Senate for its advice and consent,” Rhoades said, adding that the Kigali amendment provides the opportunity to level the global playing field for American workers and the companies that employ them.

“And given a fair shot, American workers and innovation will compete and win in a global market. Our companies have invested billions of dollars in research and development of next-generation cooling technology that has already created new jobs,” Rhoades said. “They are eager to hire additional American workers to help meet anticipated global demand. By ratifying this amendment, we can clear the way to let them lead.”

Founding members of Let America Lead include the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Chemistry Council and the American Council for Capital Formation.

“President Trump’s record demonstrates his commitment to making leadership decisions based on their ability to deliver for American workers and American families. Our nation’s manufacturers — large and small – serve as the foundation of our nation’s strength and will see positive benefits from the Kigali Amendment,” said George David Banks, President Trump’s former adviser on international energy and environment policy who is serving as a senior advisor to Let America Lead.

Establishing a platform for conservative voices, working Americans and members of the manufacturing community to demonstrate support for the Kigali amendment will help President Trump hear from the people he values most why it is such a powerful opportunity to level the playing field for America, Banks said.

In June, 13 Republican senators sent a joint letter of support to President Trump urging him to send the amendment to the Senate for its advice and consent. They wrote: “The Kigali Amendment will protect American workers, grow our economy, and improve our trade balance, all while encouraging further innovation to strengthen America’s leadership role.”

Also in June, three leading conservative groups, Americans for Tax Reform, FreedomWorks and the American Council for Capital Foundation stated their support for the amendment, writing to the president that, “This agreement has our support because it will ensure that U.S. manufacturers are able to thrive in the global economy and create more wealth and jobs in America.”

The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy and the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute have also shown support for the Kigali amendment. In May the groups released their comprehensive study, entitled “Economic Impact of Kigali Ratification & Implementation, supporting the ratification of the Kigali amendment.”

According to the study, with Kigali, U.S. exports will outperform, increasing U.S. share of the global market to 9 percent from 7.2 percent. The study also said the Kigali amendment is projected to add 33,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs by 2027, increase exports by $5 billion, reduce imports by nearly $7 billion, and improve the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration balance of trade.

“U.S. ratification of the Kigali Amendment is good for American jobs, good for the economy, and crucial for maintaining U.S. leadership across the globe, said John Hurst, chairman of the alliance and vice president of Lennox International.

Hurst added that more than 30 countries have ratified the amendment. “America cannot afford to be on the sideline. America must continue to lead,” he said.