[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 126 (Monday, July 2, 2007)]
[Notices]
[Page 36095]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-12751]



[[Page 36095]]

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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 5852]


 Meeting of the Environmental Affairs Council (EAC) of the 
Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement 
(CAFTA-DR)

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The Department of State and the Office of the United States 
Trade Representative (USTR) are providing notice that, as set forth in 
Chapter 17 (Environment) of the Dominican Republic-Central America-
United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the United States and 
the other CAFTA-DR Parties (``CAFTA-DR Parties'' or ``the Parties'')--
intend to hold the second meeting of the Environment Affairs Council 
(the ``Council'') in Guatemala City, Guatemala on July 24, 2007. The 
Council will hold an information session for members of the public on 
July 24, 2007, at 2 p.m., at the Guatemala City Marriott Hotel, 7 
Avenue 15-45, Zona 9, Guatemala City, Guatemala 01009. The purpose of 
the Council meetings is detailed below under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION.
    The meeting agenda will include discussions of: (1) A review of the 
implementation of Chapter 17 obligations, including a report on the 
operation of the Secretariat for Environmental Matters, established 
pursuant to Article 17.7 of the Chapter; (2) working procedures for the 
Secretariat; (3) anticipated activities and operations for the 
Secretariat; and (4) cooperative environmental activities the Parties 
are undertaking consistent with the CAFTA-DR Environmental Cooperation 
Agreement (ECA). The Department of State and USTR invite interested 
agencies, organizations, and members of the public to submit written 
comments or suggestions regarding agenda items.
    In preparing written comments or suggestions, we encourage 
submitters to refer to:
     The CAFTA-DR's Environment Chapter including Annex 17.9, 
and the Final Environmental Review of CAFTA-DR, available at: http://www.ustr.gov/Trade_Agreements/Bilateral/CAFTA/Section_Index.html.
     The ECA, available at: http://www.state.gov/g/oes/rls/or/42423.htm.
     Communiqu[eacute] of the EAC and Work Plan from the 2006 
Council meeting at: http://www.state.gov/g/oes/env/trade/index.htm.

DATES: To be assured of timely consideration, comments are requested no 
later than July 7, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Written comments or suggestions should be submitted to both:
    (1) Rachel Kastenberg, U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Oceans, 
Environment, and Science, Office of Environmental Policy by electronic 
mail at [email protected] with the subject line ``CAFTA-DR EAC 
Meeting'' or by fax to (202) 647-5947 or (202) 647-1052; and (2) Mara 
M. Burr, Deputy Assistant United States Trade Representative for 
Environment and Natural Resources, Office of the United States Trade 
Representative by electronic mail at [email protected] with the 
subject line ``CAFTA-DR EAC Meetings'' or by fax to (202) 395-6865.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rachel Kastenberg, Telephone (202) 
647-6777 or Mara M. Burr, Telephone (202) 395-7320.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Article 17.5 of Chapter 17 of CAFTA-DR 
establishes an Environment Affairs Council (the ``Council''). Article 
17.5 requires the Council to meet at least once a year, unless the 
Parties otherwise agree, to discuss the implementation of, and progress 
under, Chapter 17. Article 17.5 also requires, unless the Parties 
otherwise agree, that each meeting of the Council include a session in 
which members of the Council have an opportunity to meet with the 
public to discuss matters relating to the implementation of Chapter 
17.5.
    In addition, in Article 17.9 of the Chapter, the Parties recognize 
the importance of strengthening capacity to protect the environment and 
to promote sustainable development in concert with strengthening trade 
and investment relations and their commitment to expanding their 
cooperative relationship on environmental matters. Article 17.9 also 
notes that the Parties have negotiated an Environmental Cooperation 
Agreement (ECA) that sets out certain priority areas of cooperation on 
environmental activities. These priority areas also are reflected in 
Annex 17.9 and include, among other things, conserving and managing 
shared, migratory, and endangered species in international trade; 
exchanging information on domestic implementation of multilateral 
environmental agreements that all the Parties have ratified; and 
strengthening each Party's environmental management systems, including 
reinforcing institutional and legal frameworks and the capacity to 
develop, implement, administer, and enforce environmental laws, 
regulations, standards, and polices.
    The Council held its first meeting on May 24, 2006, in Guatemala 
City, Guatemala. At that meeting, the Council discussed issues of 
mutual concern related to Chapter 17 of the CAFTA-DR, including the 
establishment of a Secretariat for Environmental Matters (``the 
Secretariat''). The Council met for the second time on July 27, 2006, 
to sign the Secretariat Agreement and appoint a General Coordinator for 
the Secretariat. At its third meeting, the Council will, among other 
things, (1) review the implementation of Chapter 17 obligations; (2) 
receive a report on the activities of the Secretariat; (3) discuss 
anticipated activities and operations for the Secretariat; (4) discuss 
working procedures for the Secretariat; and (5) review the status of 
cooperative environmental activities the Parties are implementing 
consistent with the CAFTA-DR ECA. At this meeting, a framework for 
future regional environmental cooperation will also be discussed.
    The public is advised to refer to the State Department Web site at 
http://www.state.gov/g/oes/env/ for further information related to the 
Council meetings.

    Dated: June 26, 2007.
Harvey S. Lee,
Acting Director, Office of Environmental Policy, Department of State.
 [FR Doc. E7-12751 Filed 6-29-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-09-P