| Montreal, 23/02/2004 – The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has released for public comment the Draft North American Air Working Group Long-term Strategic Framework for Air-related Activities of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation.
The strategic framework is intended to provide guidance to the CEC Council and Secretariat for carrying out mutually beneficial air-related activities. It aims to promote greater understanding and effectiveness of CEC air-related activities and of the air quality programs in the three countries, with an emphasis on coordination, and synergy across CEC air activities.
In 2002, CEC Council Resolution 02-04 created the NAAWG to "provide advice and commentary to the Council on the development and implementation of the annual work plan for the Air Quality Program and for other CEC activities involving air issues." The NAAWG is composed of the senior air quality officials within the governments of the three countries.
The draft framework consists of three steps:
- Identify strategic directions that can serve to guide air-related activities of the CEC Secretariat;
- Provide advice and commentary regarding the development and implementation of the annual operational plan; and
- Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of implemented actions.
The framework is presented in draft form in order to receive comments from government, industry, nongovernmental organizations, and the public on its scope. Some specific areas to consider in providing comments are identifying strategic goals and priority areas for CEC air quality activities, and how the NAAWG can involve the public in the formation of its advice to the Secretariat and the Council.
As of 17 February 2004, the members of the NAAWG are:
Canada: Barry Stemshorn, Assistant Deputy Minister, Air Pollution Prevention Directorate, Environmental Protection Service, Environment Canada
Mexico: Francisco Giner de los Rios, Subsecretario de Gestión para la Protección Ambiental, Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales
United States: Jeffrey Holmstead, Assistant Administrator, Office of Air and Radiation, US Environmental Protection Agency
If you have comments or questions, please contact Paul Miller at (514) 350-4326 or pmiller@ccemtl.org. The closing date for comments is 12 April 2004. All comments received will be posted to the CEC web site in their original language.
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