International Cooperation
Region 10 works with our headquarters Office of International Affairs to develop strategic relationships with key countries and agencies, primarily around the Pacific Rim. Because pollution crosses international boundaries, work with other countries helps protect human health and the environment in the Pacific Northwest.
We increase our effectiveness by collaborating with regional partners to exchange environmental knowledge and share technology with other nations. Our partners include international organizations, other federal agencies, state and local governments, and organizations such as the University of Washington
and the World Affairs Council.
The majority of Region 10’s international work is with Canada, specifically British Columbia. In January 2000, EPA Administrator Carol Browner and Environment Canada Minister Anderson signed a statement of cooperation for the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin. This document guides cooperative work by EPA and Environment Canada to preserve and protect the area’s shared ecosystem. The resulting work has been seen as a positive example of transboundary ecosystem management.
The Region manages environmental cooperation with EPA-Taiwan on behalf of EPA. We are working together on sixteen environmental projects including: work in transboundary air pollution, voluntary programs to control greenhouse gases, toxics and waste management, and marine pollution.
International work includes sending experts to other countries and hosting foreign visitors. In EPA's 2006 fiscal year, Region 10 reported more international visitors than any other EPA regional office.