June 12, 2001

Statement of Small Business Survival Committee (SBSC) Chairman Karen Kerrigan on President Bush's affirmation of U.S. position on the Kyoto Protocol:

"President Bush exhibited sound leadership today in regards to the U.S. position on the Kyoto Protocol.  The President outlined what is in the best interest of America.  We cannot expect the European Union to be exultant over a position that works against their economic competitive interest.  However, it must be noted that the E.U. itself is not absolutely unified on the issue of the Kyoto treaty.

The protocol was defective.  It treats U.S. workers and small businesses inequitably.  Allowing our major international competitors to be exempt from the punitive CO2 mandates that would have wrecked our economy is not in the best interest of the U.S., or the world.  I am pleased that President Bush outlined a series of steps that are reasonable starting points for sound diplomacy and action."

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