    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
    [November 16, 1999]
    [Page 2103]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Environmental Review of Trade Agreements
    November 16, 1999

        Today Vice President Gore and I are taking two important steps to
    ensure that our efforts to expand trade reflect our strong commitment to
    promoting environmental protection worldwide. America has proved time
    and again that a strong economy and a healthy environment go hand in
    hand. The new steps I am announcing today will help ensure that we and
    other nations do our utmost to protect our environment as we work
    together to build a growing, prosperous global economy.
        First, I have signed Executive order requiring careful assessment
    and written review of the potential environmental impacts of major trade
    agreements. These reviews, with full opportunity for public input, will
    better enable us to fully integrate environmental considerations into
    the development of U.S. positions in trade negotiations.
        Second, I am issuing a declaration of principles on trade and
    environment to guide our negotiators in the new round of World Trade
    Organization negotiations that will begin later this month in Seattle.
    Through these principles, we will seek to ensure that trade rules
    continue to be support of environmental protections at home and abroad.
        I urge other WTO members to work with us to advance these principles
    when we meet in Seattle.

    Note: The Executive order of November 16 is listed in Appendix D at the
    end of this volume.