CEC Chemicals Management Forum - San Antonio, Texas, 15–16 May 2012
Reducing risk from chemicals that can harm human health and the environment requires international cooperation, since many of these chemicals move across national borders, either through international commerce or as emissions that can travel long distances through the air and water. North America has taken this challenge seriously through a trilateral Sound Management of Chemicals (SMOC) initiative coordinated by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
The CEC Chemicals Management Forum is a unique opportunity to get involved in this initiative by sharing information and strengthening linkages between regional, national and international chemicals management efforts, while addressing chemical risks as an important element in protecting, sustaining and restoring the health of people, communities and ecosystems in North America.
The objectives of the CEC Chemicals Management Forum are to:
provide stakeholders with information on the activities, including results, associated with the SMOC Working Group’s regional projects in chemicals management
provide an opportunity for stakeholders to share their initiatives related to the SMOC major areas of work in their respective countries
discuss opportunities to strengthen North American contributions by governments and stakeholders related to SMOC objectives in order to make progress towards international chemicals management goals.
Topics the forum will cover
Overview of Chemicals Management Activities in North America. An overview of chemicals management programs in each of the three countries, collaborative work through the CEC, and other stakeholders’ sound management of chemicals initiatives.
Innovative Approaches to Promote Sustainability. A discussion on experiences implementing innovative approaches such as green chemistry, alternatives assessments and design of more sustainable products.
Emerging Ideas to Advance the Sound Management of Chemicals. A discussion on how various groups—governments, industry, NGOs and communities—can apply lessons learned and replicate successful models.
Transparency, Risk Communication and Stakeholder Engagement. Examples of activities and tools to promote transparency and effective risk communication, and ideas to enhance stakeholder engagement in SMOC activities.
Who should attend
Representatives from the chemicals industry and other industry sectors
Nongovernmental organization representatives
Federal and state/provincial officials
Other stakeholders, including community representatives
Why you should attend
The CEC Chemicals Management Forum will offer the latest information on chemicals management programs in Canada, Mexico and the United States and present results of trilateral efforts through the CEC to strengthen chemicals management in North America. Presentations from industry and nongovernmental organization representatives will show how they have successfully implemented new chemicals management models. Forum discussions will help identify innovative approaches, emerging ideas and opportunities for collaboration.
Keynote Speaker
Jim Jones Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention
Jim Jones is the Acting Assistant Administrator of EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP). He is responsible for managing the office which implements the nation's pesticide, toxic chemical, and pollution prevention laws. The office has an annual budget of approximately $260 million and more than 1,300 employees.
From April through November 2011, Jim served as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA's Office of Air and Radiation.
From January 2007 until April 2011, Jim served as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for OCSPP, including six months as Acting Assistant Administrator. From 2003-2007, Jim served as the Director of the Office of Pesticide Programs. In this role he was responsible for the regulation of pesticides in the United States with a budget of approximately $150 million and 850 employees, making it the largest EPA Headquarters' program office.
Jim's career with EPA spans more than 24 years. He has an M.A. from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a B.A. from the University of Maryland, both in Economics.