The United States agreement to phase out the use of ethanol ( HFCs ) , the greenhouse gas - producing chemicals used in air conditioners and fridges , could be blocked by Republican senators in the US , according to legal analysts . Environmental lawyers believe that a two - thirds majority in the Senate would probably be required to approve the HFC agreement , meaning that support from Republicans would be necessary . The Republican party currently controls both houses in Congress and has been largely hostile to climate change legislation . “Prices are going to be dropping faster than people expect,” said Durwood Zaelke of the nonprofit Institute for Governance & Sustainable Development. Failure by the US to ratify the agreement could deter other countries from joining the pact .
The United States agreement to phase out the use of ethanol ( HFCs ) , the greenhouse gas - producing chemicals used in air conditioners and fridges , could be blocked by Republican senators in the US , according to legal analysts . Environmental lawyers believe that a two - thirds majority in the Senate would probably be required to approve the HFC agreement , meaning that support from Republicans would be necessary . The Republican party currently controls both houses in Congress and has been largely hostile to climate change legislation . Failure by the US to ratify the agreement could deter other countries from joining the pact .