Agreement on Environmental Cooperation among the Governments of the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada
The Government of the United States of America, the Government of the United Mexican States, and the Government of Canada (collectively the “Parties”);
CONVINCED of the importance of the conservation, protection and enhancement of the environment in their territories, together with the sustainable management and use of natural resources, in achieving sustainable development;
RECOGNIZING the unique environmental, economic, and social links among them, including under the Agreement between the United States of America, the United Mexican States, and Canada (the USMCA) and its environmental goals and objectives;
EMPHASIZING the importance of green growth, including its economic, health and environmental benefits, in achieving a competitive and sustainable North American economy;
RECALLING the importance of public participation that is inclusive and diverse;
AFFIRMING the long history of environmental cooperation between the Parties under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, signed at Mexico City, Washington, D.C., and Ottawa, September 8, 9, 12, and 14, 1993, (the NAAEC) and expressing their desire to build on this engagement; and
CONVINCED of the importance of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (Commission) and of the benefits of a continued framework to facilitate environmental cooperation;
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1: Objectives
The objectives of this Agreement are to:
Article 2: The Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Article 3: Council Structures and Procedures
Article 4: Council Functions
Article 5: Secretariat Structure and Procedures
Article 6: The Joint Public Advisory Committee
Article 7: Official Languages
English, French, and Spanish shall be the official languages of the Commission.
Article 8: Annual Report of the Commission
Article 9: Modalities and Forms of Cooperation
Cooperation developed under this Agreement may occur through activities such as:
Article 10: Work Program
Article 11: Opportunities for Public Participation
Article 12: Resources
Each Party shall contribute an equal share of the annual budget of the Commission subject to the availability of appropriated funds in accordance with its legal procedures. Unless the Council otherwise decides, the annual budget may be supplemented through funding or in kind contributions from the Parties, and the Commission may receive funding or in-kind contributions from external sources in excess of the annual budget.
Article 13: Equipment and Personnel
Each Party shall endeavor to facilitate the entry of equipment, materials, and personnel related to this Agreement into its territory, subject to its laws and regulations.
Article 14: Provision of lnformation for Factual Records
Each Party shall cooperate with the Secretariat to provide information relevant for the preparation of a factual record. Requests by the Secretariat for this information shall be in accordance with guidelines established by the Council.
Article 15: Technical and Confidential Information and Intellectual Property
Article 16. Protection of Information
Article 17: Entry into Force, Withdrawal, Amendments, Accession
IN WITNESS WHERE OF the undersigned, being duly authorized by their respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.
DONE in three originals in the English, French and Spanish languages, each version being equally authentic.
Signed by the Governments of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Canada: Dec 18 2018
Mexico: Nov 30 2018
US: Dec 11 2018