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PA INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CONFERENCE BRINGS TOGETHER U.S. AND MEXICO INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES

Release Date: 09/26/97
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1997

INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE CONFERENCE
BRINGS TOGETHER U.S. AND MEXICO INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES

On Sept. 25-26, EPA and Mexico’s Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) hosted “Environmental Compliance in North America: A Conference for Key U.S. and Mexican Industry Sectors” in Washington D.C. The conference, including key industry sector executives from both countries, examined current U.S.-Mexican cooperative efforts to enhance environmental compliance and enforcement under the U.S./Mexico Border XXI Environmental Framework and the NAFTA environmental side agreement. The executives represented the automotive, electronics and chemical manufacturing sectors among others. Discussion topics included Mexico’s innovative voluntary environmental auditing programs and programs recognizing environmental excellence. EPA conferees said that voluntary compliance programs used by both countries can effectively complement formal enforcement efforts to correct violations and protect the environment. The conference also included panel discussions on the relationship between government enforcement and compliance programs; and private voluntary Environmental Management Systems initiatives; and recent amendments to Mexico’s environmental law. Jose Luis Calderon, Mexico’s Deputy Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, called on U.S. firms operating in Mexico to show leadership by participating in its auditing program. The conference ended with industry and government participants discussing ways to enhance and exceed compliance in the border area.

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