1、Kyoto Protocol, Art. 23(1).1Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-349 AApril 10, 1998Global Climate Change: Selected Legal QuestionsAbout the Kyoto ProtocolDavid M. AckermanLegislative AttorneyAmerican Law DivisionSummaryOn Decemb
2、er 10, 1997, delegates from 161 nations concluded the Kyoto Protocolto the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change setting binding targetsfor reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases by developed nations. The ClintonAdministration is generally supportive of the Protocol but will not
3、sign it and submit itto the Senate for its advice and consent until further negotiations on the Protocol areheld later this year. Nonetheless, a number of legal questions about the Protocol and itspossible implementation have already arisen. This report adresses whether the UnitedStates is now legal
4、ly bound by the Protocol, the legal implications of signing it, whetherit could be implemented as an executive agreement without submission to the Senate,and whether the Protocol could be used as the legal basis for regulation of emissionseven prior to ratification.(1) Is the United States now legal