EPA uses voluntary standards to support rulemaking compliance activities and partnership programs with industry and foreign countries. Voluntary standards are developed by industry, nonprofit organizations, trade associations, and others. Within these bodies, standards-developing groups, such as committees, boards and working groups, write, review and revise standards in accordance with the procedures established by the standards body. Voluntary standards are an important element in developing a cooperative approach to environmental management. They encourage the adoption of environmental practices without the enforcement and compliance required by international treaties and regulations.
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