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United States, Mexican and Canadian Environmental Leaders Reaffirm Commitment

Release Date: 06/26/2008
Contact Information: Marilyn Franklin, (202) 564-4355 / [email protected]; En español--Lina Younes, 202-564-4355 / [email protected]

(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada – June 26, 2008) Continuing efforts to strengthen environmental policy and collaboration in North America, EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson joined his counterparts from Mexico and Canada for the 15th 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.

“The CEC meetings are a catalyst for cooperation and environmental progress,” said Administrator Johnson. “By continuing to work with our global neighbors, together we can create a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable North America.”

Administrator Johnson met with Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada, Mexican Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources and John Baird, Canadian Environment Minister to identify common priorities in developing the new CEC Strategic Plan for 2010-2015. The ministers pledged to continue their focus on environmental results and market-based environmental progress, as they work to identify the new environmental challenges and opportunities that are likely to arise in the coming years for all of North America.

Among the issues discussed during today’s meeting, the council formally endorsed continued tri-national cooperation to protect marine biodiversity in North America through the marine protected areas network. In addition, the CEC launched a new partnership to “green the supply chain” in the North American automotive industry.

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, visit: http://www.cec.org