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U.S., Mexican and Canadian Environmental Leaders Reaffirm Commitment

Release Date: 06/28/2006
Contact Information: Jessica Emond, 202-420-8651 / emond.jessica@epa.gov Suzanne Ackerman, 202-309-9496/ ackerman.suzanne@epa.gov En español: Lina Younes, 202-564-9924 / younes.lina@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - June 28, 2006) Continuing efforts to strengthen environmental policy and collaboration in North America, today EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson convened the 13th Council Session of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC). This organization was created by Canada, Mexico and the United States to address regional environmental concerns.

"Today's collaboration with our North American partners reaffirms President Bush's commitment to being a good global neighbor," said Johnson. "By working together, we are building a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations."

Administrator Johnson hosted Jose Luis Luege Tamargo, Mexican Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources and Rona Ambrose, Canadian Environment Minister, as well as other officials in Washington, D.C. During today’s meeting, the council formally endorsed the development of a new strategic approach to the management of chemicals in North America. In addition, new policies and procedures were established to ensure that all CEC publications are based on sound science, both in their findings and in their analytical methods.

The delegation reviewed progress on implementation of the CEC’s five-year strategic plan. Projects include efforts to promote the North American renewable energy market and to produce guidelines for assessing the risk from invasive alien species. In addition, projects will also include further development of a public-private initiative to “green” the automotive manufacturing supply chain throughout North America by improving environmental performance in the production process.

The CEC was established to improve the coordination of environmental and trade policy in North America. This partnership complements the environmental provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

More information about the CEC: www.cec.org