EPA's Role in the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), Exit is an international organization established by the United States, Canada, and Mexico under the 1994 North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC).Exit This agreement complements the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The NAAEC promotes sustainable development based on cooperation and mutually supportive environmental and economic policies, and fosters the protection and improvement of the environment in the territories of the Parties for the well-being of present and future generations.
The CEC consists of three bodies: the Council, the Secretariat, and the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC). The Council, composed of the Ministers of Environment from Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is the governing body of the Commission. The Secretariat provides support to the Council, implements the annual Operational Plan approved by the Council, and implements other activities pursuant to the NAAEC. The JPAC engages stakeholders in North America and provides advice to the Council.
The EPA Administrator is the U.S. Council member, representing the United States on the CEC. EPA's counterparts are Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and Mexico's Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT).
The mission of the CEC is to facilitate cooperation on shared priorities of the three countries on trade and environment to advance sustainable growth in North America while protecting the environment, ecosystems, and health. The CEC provides a trilateral collaborative forum that brings together national, state, indigenous and local stakeholders, the private sector, and academia for regional action to achieve sustainable development and to protect and enhance the North American environment. Learn about other trade agreements and protecting the environment.
- Highlights
- CEC Council
- CEC Secretariat
- Joint Public Advisory Committee
- Other Advisory Committees
- North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA)
- Strategic Plan
- Operational Plan
Highlights
Council Alternate Representatives Enrique Lendo (Mexico), Catherine Stewart (Canada), Jane Nishida (United States) sign the CEC funding resolution on behalf of the Council.The 24th annual Regular Session of the Council of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) took place June 27-28, 2017. Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, hosted the United States and Mexico’s Council representatives, the Secretariat and the Joint Public Advisory Committee, in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
The Council Session focused on Innovation to Accelerate Clean Growth. The Council approved the Operational Plan 2017-18, announced the winners of the North American Youth Innovation Challenge, and a new round of the North American Program for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA).
- View press release from the CEC Exit
- Video: Highlights of Council Session Exit
- Video: 2015-2016 Accomplishments Exit
- Video: 2017 Youth Innovation Challenge Winners Exit
The 25th Regular Session of the Council for Environmental Cooperation will be hosted by the U.S. in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2018 (dates to be announced).
CEC Council
The CEC Council Exitis the governing body of the Commission, and is comprised of the environment ministers of the three Parties, or their designees.
EPA represents the United States on the three-member Council that governs the Commission. To implement the agreement and fulfill its role on the Council, EPA leads a broad interagency group including the State Department, U.S. Trade Representative, Department of Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, U.S. Geological Survey, the Department of Energy, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. EPA also coordinates U.S. interaction with the CEC Secretariat, advisory committees, and Council-created working groups.
CEC Secretariat
The Secretariat Exit is headed by an Executive Director and provides technical, administrative and operational support. Additionally, the NAAEC gives the Secretariat several independent responsibilities which are overseen by the Council. The Secretariat is located in Montreal, Canada, with a liaison office in Mexico City.
Joint Public Advisory Committee
The Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) Exit is comprised of 15 representatives of the public, five appointed by each of the Parties. In the United States, the five JPAC members are appointed by the President.
Other Advisory Committees
The United States has convened a National Advisory Committee (NAC) and a Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) to advise us on our CEC work. Canada and Mexico also have National Advisory Committees advising their Council members.
North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA)
In February 2012, the CEC Council created the North American Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA) grant program. The program focuses on building strong partnerships with communities and stakeholders in all 3 countries. NAPECA supports diverse projects for a broad base of on-the-ground organizations and associations in North America.
Visit the CEC's NAPECA page Exitfor the latest information on current projects and grant opportunities.
Strategic Plan
In July 2015, the Council approved the CEC's Strategic Plan for 2015-2020. Exit The plan established three strategic priorities for the Council: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Green Growth and Sustainable Communities & Ecosystems. Specific objective and initiatives to support this approach can be found for each of these areas in the strategic plan.
Operational Plan
Each year, Council approves an operational plan and budget. The Operational Plan Exit includes projects under the priorities established in the Strategic Plan and lays out the tasks that are currently taking place. View the Operational Plan for 2017-2018.
Contacts
For additional information on EPA's work with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, contact:
Luis Troche
Senior Advisor for North American Affairs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of International and Tribal Affairs (2670R)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
E-mail: troche.luis@epa.gov
(202) 564-2870