Dear Methyl Bromide Stakeholders:

On January 30, 2006, the Administrator signed the final rule “Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: The 2006 Critical Use Exemption from the Phaseout of Methyl Bromide.” This rule will take effect on February 1, 2006, and authorizes 8,081,753 kilograms of methyl bromide for critical uses during 2006. The text of the rule is available at:
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr.

The U.S. Government recently submitted the Fourth Annual Critical Use Nomination to the Ozone Secretariat, requesting an exemption for the 2008 calendar year. Each sector chapter, in addition to the Bromide Usage Newer Numerical Index (BUNNI) analysis, is expected to be available by approximately 5:00pm EST on Feb. 1 at:

http://www.epa.gov/ozone/mbr

EPA appreciates your hard work and patience throughout the CUE process.