http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1795322,00.html "The world’s number one polluter, the United States, will likely make sure it is not drawn into binding targets similar to those set out in the protocol. Along with Australia, the US refused to ratify the protocol, saying it would be bad for the nation's economy."
i had somehow forgotten that the US was the number one polluter.
how odd.