News Releases from Headquarters

Administrator Pruitt Promotes Environmental Cooperation with U.S. Partners in Morocco

WASHINGTON  – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt attended bilateral meetings in Morocco this week where he outlined U.S. environmental priorities for updating the Environmental Work Plan under the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement and the potential benefit of liquified natural gas (LNG) imports on Morocco’s economy. This visit comes on the heels of an EPA-led workshop in Rabat that shared U.S. best practices for solid waste management, public participation and crisis communication pursuant to the former Environmental Work Plan.

“These meetings allowed us to directly convey our priorities and best practices with Moroccan leaders, as well as identify opportunities for continued cooperation, as our two countries further talks around the Environmental Work Plan,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. “We are committed to working closely with countries like Morocco to enhance environmental stewardship around the world.”

Administrator Pruitt met with Moroccan Secretary of State of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mounia Boucetta, where the two discussed the importance of continued collaboration between the two countries. Following the meeting with Secretary Boucetta, he met with the Moroccan Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development, Aziz Rabbah, to discuss new and ongoing areas of collaboration under the Free Trade Agreement and the country’s interest in importing LNG.

Also during the visit to Morocco, Administrator Pruitt met with Moroccan Minister of Justice and Liberties, Mohamed Aujjar. The two focused on the importance of adhering to rule of law and the ongoing strategic cooperation between the two countries. Administrator Pruitt also toured the IRESEN Green Energy Park, where he saw firsthand the work being done to promote environmental innovation including solar energy across Morocco.

Morocco is the only African country with which the U.S. has a free trade agreement. Administrator Pruitt is the first of President Trump’s cabinet to visit Morocco, ensuring the Administration’s environmental priorities are conveyed with our partners abroad and collaboration between the two countries is ongoing.