With this rulemaking, EPA is taking interim final action to amend the accelerated phaseout regulations that govern the production, import, export, transformation and destruction of substances that deplete the ozone layer under the authority of Title VI of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAA or the Act). Today's amendments incorporate an exemption permitted under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Protocol) and required by recent changes in Title VI of the CAA. Specifically, EPA is creating a temporary exemption, through December 31, 2002, from the consumption and production phaseout for quantities of Class I, Group VI controlled substances (methyl bromide) that are used for quarantine and preshipment. Following public comment, EPA intends to issue a final action to extend this exemption beyond December 31, 2002. EPA is also actively pursuing a separate notice and comment rulemaking, with stakeholder involvement, to establish methyl bromide exemptions for critical uses and emergency uses beyond the phaseout of production and import on January 1, 2005.