Joint Statement on the Third Meeting of the Environment Committee of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement

September 27, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On September 27, 2023, the Environment Committee (“the Committee”) under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“Agreement”) held its third meeting. The Committee was established pursuant to the Agreement to oversee the implementation of the Environment Chapter (“Chapter 24”) and to provide a forum to discuss and review the Chapter’s implementation.

During the meeting, the Parties highlighted their respective efforts to implement the Agreement’s Environment Chapter commitments, including actions to strengthen environmental protections and enforce environmental laws. The Committee also discussed opportunities for future cooperation, such as joint efforts to enhance law enforcement cooperation and support a more circular economy in North America.

The Committee also discussed inclusive trade and the environment. Experts from a cross-section of Parties’ agencies and ministries presented on forestry management projects in Mexico and Canada involving Indigenous communities, women, and youth that help to advance diversity and inclusion under the Agreement.

In order to strengthen cooperation between the Committee and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (“CEC”), the Executive Director of the CEC shared an update on ongoing cooperative activities and on the status of active Submissions on Enforcement Matters. The Committee recognized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the CEC on activities that advance shared environmental objectives. The Committee agreed to promote circular economy approaches through analysis and strategic discussions, and to support the ongoing work on this topic being undertaken by the CEC.

Due to technical difficulties, the public session scheduled to follow the Environment Committee meeting was postponed. The Committee will hold a virtual public session as soon as possible and will publicize the rescheduled event details to enable robust public participation.