[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 251 (Tuesday, December 31, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Pages 79952-79953]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-33006]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific 
Affairs (OES)

[Public Notice 4245]


Proposed U.S.-Chile Environmental Cooperation Agreement

AGENCY: Department of State.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Department of State, through its Bureau of Oceans and 
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, informs the public 
that negotiations for a U.S.-Chile Environmental Cooperation Agreement 
(ECA) are expected to commence in Santiago, Chile, on January 15, 2003. 
This notice seeks comment from the public regarding priority areas for 
bilateral environmental cooperation.

DATES: Comments related to priority areas for bilateral environmental 
cooperation with Chile must be received by noon (EST) on January 13, 
2003, in order to ensure timely input into the negotiations.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be sent by fax to 202-647-5947 or 202-647-1052.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Luke Ney, Department of State, Bureau 
of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, 
Office of Environmental Policy, telephone 202-647-6867, e-mail 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On December 11, 2002 the governments of the 
United States of America and the Republic of Chile completed 
negotiations on a comprehensive bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 
The Environment Chapter of this FTA outlines a two-part structure for 
environmental cooperation: (1) Eight ongoing projects that are to 
commence immediately, and (2) the future establishment of an 
Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA) that is intended to serve as 
a framework for certain bilateral cooperative environmental activities. 
The Environment Chapter furthers the objectives of the Trade Act of 
2002, including Section 2101(c)(3), which calls upon the President to 
``seek to establish consultative mechanisms among parties to trade 
agreements to strengthen the capacity of the United States trading 
partners to develop and implement standards for the protection of the 
environment and human health based on sound science.''
    The proposed ECA will, inter alia, establish a framework for 
environmental cooperation and create mechanisms that provide for 
periodic work programs, allow for consultation between the parties, and 
make available opportunities for information exchange and public 
comment. The ECA may include work in fields of activity such as 
improving capacity for environmental compliance assurance, promoting 
sustainable management of

[[Page 79953]]

environmental resources, developing and implementing economic 
instruments for environmental management, and in other fields as may be 
agreed by the Parties. Implementation activities may include, inter 
alia, exchanges of technical specialists, organization of joint 
conferences, and support for collaboration projects.

Jeff Lunstead,
Director, Office of Environmental Policy, Bureau of Oceans and 
International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of 
State.
[FR Doc. 02-33006 Filed 12-30-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-09-P