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Beijing, Dec 14, 11:45 p.m. - Administrator Steve Johnson: Friday was another jammed-packed day of activities, beginning w/ a tour of the Beijing Olympic facilities, JCEC, meeting w/ our SEPA counterparts, and ending w/ a traditional Chinese banquet hosted by Minister Zhou. As I mentioned to Minister Zhou, I will be bringing a bit of China back with me ... around my waistline - I love Peking duck. It's hard to believe that in just two years we've developed a friendship and close professional relationship between our agencies - delivering real environmental results in China. 
The JCEC signing ceremony. We've developed a cap and trade program on sulfer dioxide, establishment of regional offices to help deliver environmental programs at the local level, signed MOUs to advance enforcement, water quality, toxics, emergency response ... the list goes on and on. And yes, they are making progress in preparing for a "green" Olympics. While my Chinese language skills have not improved, our joint effort to improve the environment has. Zia-Jian (good bye, in Chinese). 
Administrator Johnson and a host stand in front of the opening and closing venue for the Beijing Olympics.
Beijing, Dec 14, 11:30 p.m. - Wayne Nastri, Regional Administrator,US EPA, Region 9: Today I had the pleasure and privilege of participating in the China-US Joint Committee for Environmental Cooperation (JCEC) in Beijing, China. In my humble opinion, it was a showcase for what collaboration and partnership can do - that is, get real results faster than what one could do alone. Or as our Administrator said, it allows us to accelerate the pace of environmental protection. What made this remarkable was that USEPA and SEPA staff together presented accomplishments over the past two years and future actions over the next two years. Critical issues addressed include drinking water protection, air quality improvement, dealing with toxics, hazardous waste management, emergency response, environmental law, and enforcement. 
US and China delegations attend JCEC Collaboration between our two countries on our respective experience in regulatory development and implementation was a key area of focus. Collaboration provided the means for technology demonstrations and applications in a variety of media including emission control equipment and hazardous waste clean-up technology such as incinerators and thermal desorber units. Through collaboration and partnership of our respective agencies, we also achieved real results much sooner than would have been realized otherwise. Our efforts have paved the way for lowering sulfur content in fuels that enables the use of technology to reduce harmful emissions. In a global environment, our joint efforts at collaboration and partnership will result in global environmental improvements and set the stage for accelerating true environmental progress. 
Wayne Nastri, Regional Administrator,US EPA, Region 9
Beijing, Dec 14, 5:30 p.m. - Lisa Lybbert, Associate Administrator, Office of Public Affairs: In order to understand one another, everyone at the meetings wears a headset. As members of a delegation speak, a translator in a little booth at the far end of the room talks into a microphone and provides a proverbial lifeline to the substance of the meeting. Without the little headset, I would only be able to understand hello and thank you. To me, the headset has become an international symbol of communication ... and humor. Let's face it, no one looks "good" with a translation headset on. If it's the type that fits on top of your head, the ear pieces resemble ear muffs, and if it's the one that goes below your chin, it resembles a stethoscope - I doubt either will ever catch on as a fashion statement. And even more humorous to me is that people leave them on, even when their own language is being spoken. It always makes me wonder, "Is their native language more clear if they hear it through a headset?" 
US delegation members wear headsets during a meeting.
Beijing, Dec 14, 4:00 p.m. - Charles Ingebretson, Chief of Staff: The Administrator and Chinese SEPA Minister Zhou Shengxian met in a brief one-on-one session this afternoon before the beginning of the JCEC meeting. In typical formal diplomatic fashion, they sat in adjacent chairs, separated by a floral arrangement, and with interpreters sitting behind them. I've often wondered how this form of meeting developed. I suppose it's easier to speak frankly with a friend when you're not staring eyeball to eyeball across a conference table. Today, though, as the Administrator and Minister Zhou discussed the similarity of their problems and challenges, it seemed like two friends sitting on a park bench. 
Administrator Johnson and Minister Zhou
Beijing, China, Dec 13, 3:00 p.m. - Jerry Clifford, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs: When the concept of a Sino-US Strategic Economic Dialogue was first raised to us, we quickly saw the opportunity to use such a forum to elevate discourse on public health and the environment to the highest levels in China's government. SEDIII concluded this afternoon and the discussion of environmental issues during the last day and a half was the most robust to date. The Administrator and Minister Zhou shared the policy recommendations arising from our Joint Economic Study covering SO2 trading and low sulphur fuels. China announced their commitment to develop and implement a SO2 cap and trade program for their power sector. The health minister discussed the linkages between health and the environment, specifically, the health implications of drinking water quality and occupational exposures. Both countries committed to a develop a 10-year plan on energy and the environment. I witnessed first-hand the increased trust from high levels, honest dialogue, and came away encouraged by the progress SED is already producing. I departed with new friends, stronger relations and buoyed by the opportunity to participate with my EPA colleagues for which I am sincerely grateful. Although there is much to be done, I return convinced that our vision is being accomplished in this complex, fascinating country. 
Jerry Clifford, Acting Assistant Administrator, Office of International Affairs.
Grand Epoch City, Beijing, Dec 13, 12:05 p.m. - Charles Ingebretson, Chief of Staff: Vice Premier Madame Wu Yi is leading the Chinese delegation to the SED III meeting. Although she's less than five feet tall, she's one of the most powerful women in China's central government. 
Madame Wu Yi at the SED's closing press conference. But I didn't realize how popular she is until checking out of the hotel this morning, when the desk clerk asked, "Is Madame Wu Yi attending your meeting this morning?" "She is," I said. "Will she give a press conference afterwards?" he asked. "I think she will," I said. "Oh, we admire Madame Wu so much," he said. "Do you think we could come to watch the press conference?" I said he better check with his supervisor. It's been a little hard to compare China's senior leaders with the United States' representatives to the SED. What's clear is that the discussions have involved some of China's most senior -- and most admired -- leaders.
Grand Epoch City, Beijing, Dec 13, 10:35 a.m. - Lisa Lybbert, Associate Administrator, Office of Public Affairs: This morning began with media interviews, followed by 50+ cameras taking pictures of the traditional "family photo" of the principals from each country. Then we attended the fifth SED session which focused on the environment, a signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US EPA and China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine, and we just completed an informal press conference in the hallway with 30+ members of the media. So I've spent my morning saying, "Last question." 
The Administrator with reporters. But for the first time in a long time, I really didn't want to say those words. The reporters' questions were some of the best I've ever heard. They were smart questions, well thought out and covered a broad range of environenmental topics - climate change, energy, import/export environmental laws, air pollution, water quality. The open exchange of dialogue this morning between the Administrator and the press is an example of why I love what I do. Every topic was welcomed and every question received an answer - what a fun morning.
Grand Epoch City, Beijing, Dec 12, 10:00 p.m. - Charles Ingebretson, Chief of Staff: The Chinese pride themselves on being good hosts and each time we visit they offer food and entertainment that reflects their rich and diverse culture. And this time was no different. Day One of SEDIII is complete, including a working lunch and a banquet. Here's what was on the menu: For lunch: sponge bamboo and mushroom soup; fried Mandarin fish; mutton kebob; steamed bean curd with minced chicken; braised kale in Supreme soup; and for dessert, Xianghe beef pie, pastries and fruits. For dinner, during which the People's Liberation Army Military Band played and the China National Acrobatic Troupe performed: chicken soup with spinach and egg whites, baked prawn with butter and cheese; roasted lamb; Kongpo chicken; Beijing roast duck; steamed grouper with saffron sauce; braised mustard with scallops; dumplings; Sichuan-style noodles; and fruits. I enjoyed almost all of it. 
Acrobats performing at dinner.
Grand Epoch City, Beijing, Dec 12, 8:50 p.m. - Administrator Steve Johnson: Wow, what a fantastic day. From Vice Premier Wu on, virtually every speaker today mentioned the need for both economic and environmental sustainability. We had great discussions regarding the need to invest in clean energy and the opportunity for the US and China to work together to address environmental issues, including climate change. The evening concluded w/ a grand banquet and a fireworks display that rivaled anything I've ever seen in the US - of course weren't fireworks invented in China? So when I say the day ended w/ a bang, I really mean it. 
Administrator & Mrs. Johnson with the fireworks
Grand Epoch City, Beijing, Dec 12, 5:00 p.m. - Lisa Lybbert, Associate Administrator, Office of Public Affairs: This is my view -literally- from where I'm sitting in the meeting. Right now, my boss is speaking about the need for a "collaborative approach" to solving any challenges involving energy, environment, or the economy. To me, that point seems so obvious. Yet without the collaborative approach, an imbalance occurs. I guess that's true with everything in life - maintaining balance is critical to success. That's just my view. 
The view from my seat.
Grand Epoch City, Beijing, Dec 12, 12:30 p.m. - Lisa Lybbert, Associate Administrator, Office of Public Affairs: More than one hundred press covered the opening session this morning. It looked kind of like the media risers in front of the red carpet at the Emmy's, but Brad Pitt was no where in sight. All of the media attention is an obvious reminder to me of how important these meetings are- or really how important the results of the meetings are for both countries. 
Reporters gather on the riser for the opening session. I remember doing a 30-minute TV interview with my boss in Beijing a few years ago where he stood on a high rise balcony and within the interview time we visually lost site of a building behind him because the air pollution consumed it. With so much construction and growth happening in the city, we literally watched the air quality deteriorate before our eyes. So when the press here ask my boss, "How can you grow an economy AND improve the environment," I can understand their skepticism. But we are growing our economy while reducing pollution in the US, so the balance can be struck. And the air in Beijing this trip is better than I've seen it in the past few years, so maybe they're beginning to find that balance too. 
Lisa Lybbert, Associate Administrator for Public Affairs
Grand Epoch City, Beijing, Dec 12 10:30 a.m. - Charles Ingebretson, Chief of Staff: The Administrator just finished the first session of SED III at which Madame Wu Yi and Treasury Secretary Paulson made opening remarks. Madame Wu Yi warned of the dangers of protectionism to the US-China trade relationship, and urged the US delegation to continue to resist trade sanction legislation by the US Congress. She also said expanded trade with China would include increased demand by Chinese for environmentally friendly products. 
Principals line up for the start of the opening session. Secretary Paulson made two points in his remarks. He noted the strong interdependence of the US and Chinese economies, including on the issue of product quality and food safety. He also expressed concern with the rise of economic nationalism in both countries and urged the delegates to SED III to use the meeting to establish a dialogue to further understanding between both countries. The principals are now meeting in private session and will then proceed to a working lunch on the subject of product quality and food safety. 
Charles Ingebretson, Chief of Staff.
Arrived! Beijing Airport, China, Dec 11, 3 p.m. (China time) - Administrator Steve Johnson: Well, after 14 hours and a quick change into a business suit, (not easy for someone who is 6'3" in an airplane restroom), we are on our way to the US Embassy to finish final preparations for the US/China SED meeting. I'm looking forward to meeting with U.S. Ambassador to China Clark Randt to discuss China's environmental preparations for the 2008 Olympics and our meetings with Chinese officials to discuss economic growth and environmental sustainability. We'll be catching up with my Cabinet counterparts including Hank Paulson, Mike Leavitt, Susan Schwab, and Carlos Gutierrez. 
Arrival at the Beijing Airport This is my third visit to this country and each time I've had exciting experiences with food, culture, and mutual interest in improving the environment. We just stepped outside of the airport and I'm pleased to report the sky is remarkably blue. Now on to the first meeting...
Ni Hao ("hello" in Chinese) Dulles Airport, VA, Dec 10, 11:50 a.m. - Administrator Steve Johnson: As we board our flight to China, I'm looking forward to meeting w/ the Chinese government officials. This is an important opportunity for both the US and China to advance public health and environmental protection in our countries and around the world. Although I must admit, I'm not looking forward to the 14 hour and one minute flight. So stay tuned, I'll type more when I arrive. 
Here I am boarding the 747 for our direct flight to Beijing. |
A B O U T From December 10 to 15, 2007, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson joins Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and other senior U.S. officials at the third Cabinet-level meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue in the People's Republic of China. The SED will focus on integrity of trade, balanced economic development, energy conservation, financial sector reform, environmental sustainability, and advancing bilateral investment. This diary is an account of the trip by Administrator Johnson and EPA's official delegation accompanying him to China. EPA news release about the SED. R E C E N T P O S T S |
