U.S.-Canada Environmental Cooperation

EPA coordinates environmental partnerships with our Canadian neighbors. The United States and Canada have one of the world's oldest and most effective environmental partnerships, with more than 30 government agreements between the two countries. The relationship dates to the 1909 Boundary Waters Treaty, which established the International Joint Commission (IJC).

The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) was signed in 1972, with the goal of to clean up the Great Lakes. Last amended in 1987, the GLWQA was publicly reviewed during 2007, with review results being considered in 2008. EPA's Great Lakes National Program has primary responsibility for coordinating these efforts.

The US-Canada Air Quality Agreement was signed in 1991, with the goal of reducing air emissions which cause acid rain.

On a multilateral basis, both governments are active in the North American Commission on Environmental Cooperation (CEC) , the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) , the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and numerous global environmental agreements.

Numerous other agreements exist between EPA and Environment Canada to address issues of common concern, such as the transboundary movement of hazardous and municipal solid wastes and preparedness and response to environmental emergencies along the 5,500 mile border.

For additional information about EPA's programs with Canada, contact:

Pete Christich
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of International Affairs (2650R)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
Email: christich.pete@epa.gov

U.S.-Canada Environmental Cooperation

Local Navigation