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Environment and Trade Working Together
Advisors for a Sustainable Future
OFFICIAL MEETING OF THE
NATIONAL AND GOVERNMENTAL ADVISORY
COMMITTEES
(NAC/GAC)
SUMMARY
October 10-11, 2018
The Sol of Tucson Conference Center
5655 W. Valencia Road
Tucson, Arizona 85757
and Via Adobe® Connect Teleconference
Note: The U.S. National and Governmental Advisory Committees are federal advisory
committees chartered by Congress, operating under the Federal Advisory Committee Act;
5 U.S.C., App. 2. The committees provide advice to the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) on the implementation of the North American Agreement on
Environmental Cooperation. The findings and/or recommendations of the committees do not
represent the views of the Agency, and this document does not represent information approved
or disseminated by EPA.

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Table of Contents
Wednesday, October 11, 2018	1
Call to Order and Introductions	1
Overview of the Agenda	1
Opening Remarks	1
Update on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and Meeting Charge	2
Working Session I: Extreme Weather Events Overview	6
Public Comment Period	9
CEC Update on Operational Plan (OP) and NAPECA Grants	9
JPAC Report	11
Working Session II: Extreme Weather Events—Tribal Government Response	12
Summary and Next Steps	14
Thursday, October 11, 2018	14
Call to Order	14
Plenary: Joint Committee Meeting	15
Public Comment Period	15
Committees Meet Separately	15
GAC Separate Meeting	15
NAC Separate Meeting	16
Committees Reconvene in Plenary Session	17
Adjournment	18
Action Items	18
Summary Certification	19
Appendix A: Meeting Participants	20
Appendix B: Meeting Agenda	22
Appendix C: Charge Letter for October 10-11, 2018 NAC/GAC Meeting	25
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Wednesday, October 11, 2018
Call to Order and Introductions
Oscar Carrillo, National and Governmental Advisory Committees (NAC/GAC) Designated Federal
Officer (DFO), Federal Advisory Committee Management Division (FACMD), U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency)
Mr. Oscar Carrillo, NAC/GAC DFO, FACMD, EPA, called the meeting to order and welcomed
participants to the 51st meeting of the NAC and GAC committees. He thanked NAC/GAC Chairs and the
local NAC/GAC contacts in Arizona for assisting in planning the meeting. Mr. Carrillo also thanked
Ms. Jane Nishida, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, Office of International and Tribal Affairs
(OITA); Luis Troche, Senior North American Advisor, OITA; and OITA staff for their input on the
meeting agenda and charge. Mr. Carrillo expressed appreciation to Ms. Monisha Harris, Director,
FACMD, for making the in-person meetings possible and the FACMD and contractor staff for their
continued support. He announced that Mr. Jeffrey N. Wennberg, who is retiring from the City of Rutland,
Department of Public Works, is stepping down as GAC Chair. He conveyed EPA's appreciation to
Mr. Wennberg for his hard work and dedication to environmental issues. Mr. Carrillo asked the meeting
participants to introduce themselves and then invited Dr. Theresa Pardo (University of Albany, State
University of New York), Chair of the NAC, and Ms. Sally Gonzales (Arizona House of
Representatives), Acting Chair of the GAC, to provide an overview of the agenda.
Overview of the Agenda
Theresa Pardo, Ph.D., Chair of the NAC
Ms. Sally Ann Gonzales, Acting Chair of the GAC
Dr. Pardo and Ms. Gonzales also welcomed the committee members and other participants attending in-
person and remotely and expressed their appreciation to Mr. Wennberg for his work on the GAC.
Dr. Pardo remarked on the privilege of conducting this NAC/GAC meeting in Tucson, Arizona, given the
theme—extreme weather events—and the charge. The advice from this meeting will inform the
Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) U.S. Alternative Representatives (Alt Reps),
November 2018, meeting.
Dr. Pardo announced that several of today's speakers are responding to unforeseen emergencies and will
not be available to attend the meeting and she noted the agenda changes: Welcome and Opening Remarks
will be presented by Mr. Verlon M. Jose, Vice-Chairman, Tohono O'odham Nation on behalf Mr. Edward
Manuel, Chairman of the Tohono O'odham Nation, and Mr. Robert Valencia, Chairman of the Pascua
Yaqui Nation; Meeting Charge will be presented by Mr. Troche on behalf of Ms. Nishida, OITA; Joint
Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) update will be presented by Dr. Octaviana Trujillo, JPAC member,
on behalf of Mr. Gustavo Alanis Ortega, the JPAC Chair; Working Session I: Extreme Weather Events
Overview will include an additional speaker, Ms. Judy Lynn, Arizona Department of Emergency and
Military Affairs (AZDEMA); and Working Session II: Extreme Weather Events—Tribal Government
Response will be presented by Mr. Cornelius Antone, Environment Director, Tohono O'odham Nation on
behalf of Mr. Paul Mesa, Administrator Office Natural Resources, Tohono O'odham Nation.
Opening Remarks
Verlon M. Jose, Vice-Chairman, Tohono O 'odham Nation
Mr. Jose welcomed participants to the Southwest Desert and extended sincere hospitality. He thanked the
committees for their scope of work in protecting the environment and remarked on the long standing
relationship between the Tohono O'odham Nation and the nearby Pascua Yaqui Nation. Mr. Jose noted
the timeliness of this NAC/GAC meeting given the recent emergency declared after remnants of
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Hurricane Rosa devastated the area. He reflected that the forces of nature are well understood in the
Native American community, elders have spoken of such events, which are not viewed negatively.
Mr. Jose shared on the recent crisis and tribal emergency response. Within hours of the tropical
depression reaching Tucson on October 2, 2018, the rain gauges measuring 7 inches were exceeded in the
Western Desert of the Tohono O'odham region. The earthen Menagers Dam built by the Army Corps of
Engineers, which has been in existence for more than 100 years met its capacity. Seventy-five homes
were flooded, and people were evacuated. Due to the high standing water, the stability of the dam was
questionable and threatened four other communities. Door-to-door notifications were made to encourage
evacuations. Residents who were able to return home on October 9, 2018, found up to 2 feet of mud in
some places. Forty residents remain in shelters today. The overall goal for the community was to decrease
the water level, which included the installation of pipes to divert the flow away from affected
communities.
Mr. Jose emphasized that communication is key on all levels (e.g., local and international). One
community, which is located 160 miles (round-trip) from the response center, was hesitant to engage in
discussions. Emails and social media were activated, but some residents wanted face-to-face meetings
with Nation leaders. The EPA Tribal Council also has been engaged in the relief efforts. The Nation has
in place an emergency response manager and a general operating system in which the manager remains at
the central location. Mr. Jose remarked on one example of the entire community coming together to
resolve an emergent problem. When the Menagers Dam was threatening a breach, locals from across the
reservations gathered at 10:00 p.m. on a Sunday and collectively assembled 1,000 sand bags to save one
community from flooding. Proactive measures save lives and communication is key. Mr. Jose remarked
on how the work of the NAC and the GAC helps to keep the proper lines of communication open.
Ms. Gonzales thanked Mr. Jose for his update. She pointed out that the Tohono O'odham and the Pascua
Yaqui are both indigenous Nations who have people living on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border, of
which the new USMCA and ECA are pertinent. Understanding communication and coordination in the
tribal government also are important to the NAC/GAC as they develop advice for EPA. Dr. Pardo also
thanked Mr. Jose for his update and echoed Ms. Gonzales' comments on the value of communication.
Update on U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and Meeting Charge
Sarah Stewart, Deputy Assistant, Environmental and Natural Resources, U.S. Trade Representative
(USTR) (via phone)
Joe Ferrante, Senior Advisor on Trade and Economics, OITA, EPA (via phone)
Luis Troche, Senior North American Advisor, OITA, EPA
USMCA
Ms. Sarah Stewart provided an update on the USMCA (or Agreement). The United States has been
negotiating for 12 months with Canada and Mexico to modernize the North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA), which includes the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
(NAAEC) and also the North American Agreement on Labor Cooperation.
Since the NAAEC was established, there have been major changes in environmental policies. Congress
has introduced specific negotiating objectives that are included in the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA)
legislation. The current USMCA negotiations must consider TPA and at the end of the process, Congress
will give the Agreement a yes or no vote. From 1994 and beyond, Congress has incorporated expansive
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objectives on trade and the environment. In fact, the TPA legislation enacted in 2015, contains the most
comprehensive objectives to date, which was the starting point for the U.S. NAFTA renegotiations.
Ms. Stewart summarized the Congressional negotiation objectives on the environment. All environment
objectives are to be incorporated in the core Agreement as the other Chapters and not as a side agreement.
The dispute settlement mechanism will be the same across the Agreement for all enforceable obligations.
The Parties (i.e., the federal environment ministers of Canada, Mexico and the United States) are
responsible for enforcing their own environmental laws. The Parties are obligated to adopt and maintain
measures for implementing Multilateral Environment Agreements (MEAs) addressing seven areas,
including Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The obligations also are to
combat illegal fishing and establish rules to prohibit harmful fisheries and subsidies. Regarding climate
change, the Congressional objectives state that the Agreement is not appropriate for regulating
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are therefore not included.
Other objectives included in the U.S. proposal are wildlife trafficking and marine mammal conservation.
Canada and Mexico advocated for those areas they deemed relevant to their countries, including
biodiversity and climate change. Mexico proposed an article on air quality. Canada proposed
environmental impact assessments. Ms. Stewart noted that the final USMCA text is published on the
USTR website and is open for public comments. The Agreement has not yet been signed.
She highlighted components of the USMCA Environment Chapter, which are the most comprehensive
enforceable objectives of any such agreement. Issues such as transboundary, air pollution, shared fishery
stock and wildlife trafficking are important to all Parties. In the USMCA final chapter, a new article on air
quality that leverages prior CEC efforts is included as well as new articles on marine litter and sustainable
forest management. The Agreement also contains enhancements on fishing and wildlife and places special
emphasis on marine species conservation.
Mr. Joe Ferrante provided an update on the proposed new Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA),
which aligns with the USMCA Environment Chapter. The institutions and organizations of the current
structure are being retained. There has been progress in negotiations with Mexico and Canada and a
seamless transition to a new platform in cooperation among the Parties is anticipated. Leveraging the
lessons learned from the original NAAEC and NAFTA negotiations is providing a framework for this
new mechanism for cooperation. The draft ECA is expected to be released in 1 to 2 weeks. The goal has
been to modernize the NAAEC without proposing drastic changes. Mr. Ferrante explained that the
original NAAEC side agreement has been separated into two parts. The proposed ECA will focus on the
activities of the CEC, NAC/GAC, JPAC and cooperation, whereas environmental issues will now be
addressed in the USMCA Environment Chapter.
Meeting Charge
Mr. Troche updated the members on the June 26-27, 2018, CEC Council Session; the CEC Council new
initiatives; and the advice letter charge. He conveyed Ms. Nishida's regrets in not being able to attend the
meeting. The United States and EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt, hosted the 2018 CEC Council Session
on June 26-27, 2018, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Council activities included discussions on the
progress of the 10 active 2017-2018 CEC Operating Plan (OP) projects, the 1-year North American
Partnership for Environmental Community Action (NAPECA) grants, new initiatives and announcing
winners of the 2018 CEC Youth Innovation Challenge (YIC). Mr. Troche remarked on the success of the
2018 Council Session that focused on innovation and partnerships for green growth.
EPA implemented the committees' prior advice on establishing an Expert Advisory Committee consisting
of private sector and academic representatives from each of the three North American countries—Canada,
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Mexico and the United States—to assist in evaluating the YIC proposals for the 2018 YIC. The CEC/EPA
also partnered with the University of Oklahoma's Tom Love Innovation Hub and the Ronnie K. Irani
Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth to provide coaching to the YIC winners and assist in
marketing strategies for the winning projects. The CEC received 200 creative proposals, and three
winning projects were selected: (1) "Stop Eating Your Dirty Laundry: Our Solution to Microplastic
Pollution" from Canada; (2) "Management of Wastewater and Organic Waste with the Use of Insects"
from Mexico; and (3) "Future Fungi: An Environmental Solution to the Plastic Issue" from the United
States.
Three new initiatives were announced at the 2018 Council Session: North American Innovation Hub
Network, North American Extreme Events Advisory Group, and Mapping Extreme Events information on
the CEC North American Environmental Atlas. Applicable to today's meeting charge, the Council and
Secretariat have identified key experts to collaborate on establishing the North American Extreme Events
Advisory Group. The goal is to convene local/regional practitioners to share information, knowledge and
capacities relevant to communities and populations on drought/flood, wildfires and extreme temperatures.
The NAC and the GAC are charged to provide to EPA advice on actors and capacities at the local, tribal
and private sector level who have expertise, best practices and resources on early warning, preparedness,
response and resilience to drought-flood, wildfires and extreme temperatures. Recognizing that
preparedness response and resilience is primarily a local effort, these actors may contribute their expertise
and best practices through the CEC initiative to help advance capacities across North America. EPA will
have until December 2018 to develop a plan, establish a timeline and relay details of the plan to Canada
and Mexico.
Question and Answer Period
Dr. Vincent R. Nathan (City of San Antonio, Texas), GAC member, observed that GHG emissions were
not included in the proposed Agreement but that air pollutants were. He asked about the separation of
these two issues. Ms. Stewart explained that the initial Congress negotiation objectives elected to not
include GHG emissions in the USMCA on trade, but emphasizes the effects of air pollution and air
quality and data monitoring within the Parties' jurisdictions of which they expect cooperation. This does
not reflect a decrease in these measurements but an engagement to improve air quality.
Mr. Tracy D. Hester (University of Houston Law Center), NAC member, asked about the desire to submit
as a package the USMCA and the cooperation agreement. Mr. Ferrante replied that the cooperation
agreement and the USMCA are not a package submission but are aligned and are suggested to be
addressed in the same timeframe. Mr. Hester also asked whether a link to the draft agreement could be
shared with the committees. Mr. Ferrante will forward a link to Mr. Carrillo of the draft ECA when it has
been cleared for public review.
Ms. Nazarat Sandoval (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality), GAC member, sought clarity on
the seven areas for MEAs. Ms. Stewart clarified that seven MEAs have been incorporated into the
USMCA and they include: CITES, International Whaling Commission, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands,
Montreal Protocol, The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL),
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InterAmerican Tropical Tuna Commission and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic
Resources.
Dr. Nathan noted that Chevron Phillips Chemical Company and Woodland Plastics are collaborating on a
joint initiative focusing on producing recyclable plastics and could potentially be one effort the CEC
Expert Advisory Committee could leverage in evaluating future YIC projects.
Ms. Ann Marie Chischilly, Esq., (Northern Arizona University), NAC member, asked whether EPA had
plans to coordinate with national alliances already addressing pertinent environmental issues (e.g., climate
change) relevant to the CEC such that projects and/or efforts are not duplicated. Mr. Troche replied that on
the federal level, engagement with national alliances is limited but could be considered in the CEC.
Ms. Edna A. Mendoza (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality), GAC member, sought clarity on
the charge question and the advice letter. Dr. Pardo clarified that the committees are charged to provide
advice to EPA on the topic of extreme weather events. Following the presentations, discussions, and
individual NAC and GAC deliberations, a draft advice letter will be generated and forwarded to members
for comments. A final document will then be forwarded to EPA.
Ms. Marina M. Brock (Massachusetts Department of Health and the Environment), GAC member, noted
that All-Hazards plans are most often used by local governments for emergencies and involve resource
sharing on the state and federal levels, which include communications. She wondered whether the recent
communication issues in the Tohono O'odham Nation were related to cultural differences. Mr. Jose
explained that the Tohono O'odham Chairman declares an emergency; the emergency manager leads the
operations and will initiate voluntary evacuations, if necessary. Communications and updates are released
via the press as well as social media. In the recent incidence, an observer first reported the problem with
the Menagers Dam. Some communities are still not receiving the messages or have a preference to
receive information from the Chairman rather than state or federal experts. The tribal nation elders are
clear on when to evacuate.
Mr. Troche commented on the need for local organizations to be prepared for an emergency. He observed
that in the CEC, the best cooperative practices are those identified by the Parties. Establishing a best
practice to implement in the event of wildfires that cross the U.S.-Mexico or U.S.-Canada borders is one
such example.
Ms. Carolyn L. Green (EnerGreen Capital Management), NAC member, asked how the U.S.-Mexico
border affected tribal coordination, communication and emergency response. Mr. Jose pointed out that
tribal government emergency forces are organized near the borders and consisted of 31,000 total
members, but remote and hard to reach areas remain a challenge. A communication structure exists but
the plans and ideas have not been written or formalized.
Ms. Simone Sagovac (Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition), NAC member, wondered
whether relief funds were available to rebuild housing in the tribal community after a natural disaster.
Mr. Jose was not aware of any relief funds available to rebuild structures. Assessments are performed in
the tribal government and Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA) criteria are met in some
instances. Unsolicited donations received during the recent crisis have assisted 50 families to date. Over
the years, set-aside funds for emergencies have been redirected due to the economic crisis.
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Working Session I: Extreme Weather Events Overview
Dr. Gregg Garfm, Deputy Director, Science Translation Research, University of Arizona
Judy Lynn, South Region Coordinator, Emergency Management, Arizona Department of Emergency and
Military Affairs (AZDEMA)
University of Arizona
In his overview of extreme weather events, Dr. Gregg Garfin presented on observed climate trends and
variability, observed impacts (e.g., water or drought) and capacities (e.g., emergency management). Data
sources included the U.S. Global Change Research Program's National Climate Change reports and the
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reports. Extreme weather events may be classified as events
from a climatological, statistical, frequency of occurrence perspective or events that cause extreme
impacts. The U.S. average temperature has been increasing over the past decades since the 1900s and
similar trends have been observed in the southwest. Precipitation levels have increased in the northern
United States, but to a lesser extent in the southwest. In the United States, the 2-day precipitation events
exceeding a 5-year recurrence interval have shown steady increases since the 1990s. At the county level,
the Pima County, Arizona average annual temperature from 1981 to 2010 has been variable as have been
the total annual precipitation levels. The increased observed trend in temperature and variability in
precipitation in Pima County led to an intensified precipitation-evapotranspiration drought index. Also, a
statistically significant decrease in soil moisture in the southwestern United States; reduced snow and
snow covered areas and early snow run-off; and reduced runoff efficiency, also have been observed. In
addition, reservoir volumes have been decreasing such that Lake Mead and Lake Powell combined
storage averages 42 percent.
Regarding the impact of extreme weather events across the United States, Dr. Garfin noted that a 2002
drought cost Utah's infrastructure and tourism $200 million. Of the $200 million loss in revenue, $150
million was attributed to agriculture losses. In 2003, it was reported that the 2002 drought ultimately
resulted in increased unemployment, a loss of 6,100 jobs and $120 million loss of income. Because the
U.S. water supplies primarily originate in mountain forested areas in the southwestern United States, the
future of water and the future of forest cannot be separated. Wildfires, an indirect effect of extreme
weather events, have increased and vary in severity. Most of Arizona's fires in previous years were low to
mixed severity, but today's extreme fires threaten ecological and economic values. The 2011 Flagstaff,
Arizona Schultz fire that consumed 15 acres caused $150 million in damages. Dr. Garfin emphasized that
since 2000, each state in the southwest has reported its largest fire. The average acreage burned in
Arizona significantly increased from 2000 to 2012.
Furthermore, heavy participation is increasing following extreme heat based on the observed changed in
daily, 20-year return level precipitation data. In 2017, reports indicated that summer precipitation is more
intense. The top five most costly flood events occurring in the southwest collectively totaled $1.93 billion
in damages. Remnants of the recent hurricane that produced heavy rain and flooding almost breached the
Menagers Dam. The daily precipitation in the Boulder, Colorado region increased by 30 percent.
Vulnerability reports published by the ASCE identified deficiencies in bridges and roadways in Arizona,
Colorado and New Mexico.
Dr. Garfin remarked on the impact of extreme heat events. More daily record high temperatures are being
observed. The number of days with a maximum temperature above 100° Fahrenheit (F) over a 5-year
period peaked in Arizona from 2000 to 2004. Also, the number of days with a minimum temperature
above 80° F over a 5-year period peaked in Arizona from 2010 to 2014. Similar trends were observed in
Utah and New Mexico. In 2013, extreme heat was responsible for several deaths in Las Vegas, Nevada
and Phoenix, Arizona; knocked out power in Las Vegas, Nevada; caused an interstate 215 buckling in
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Salt Lake City, Utah; caused flight cancellations at the Phoenix, Arizona airport and made heavy demands
on emergency rooms at regional hospitals.
Dr. Garfin summarized some aspects of the September 2015 workshop titled "Preparing for High
Consequence, Low Probability Events: Heat, Water & Energy in the Southwest" hosted by the University
of Arizona in which participants developed scenarios to model climate, vulnerabilities and systems
relationship. The model components included drought, decreased water supply, local/regional heat wave,
increased energy demand, power grid strain and power outage. The model was tested in the 2011
Arizona-Southern California Outage not due to an extreme weather event, but human error. Nevertheless,
this 24-hour widespread power outage resulted in sewage spillage into the ocean and underlying medical
issues. Emergency management response identified lifelines that were indirectly related to the outage
such as the need for water and waste water management, transportation, community, hospitals,
communication and fuel. The Western Electricity Coordinating Council, during that timeframe, estimated
that power outages from weather and environmental conditions were highly probable.
Dr. Garfin highlighted examples of capacities for emergency management planning that are available in
the Arizona tribal communities. The Gila River Indian Country (GRIC) has community preparedness and
public health emergency preparedness capabilities. The University of Arizona Climate Assessment for the
Southwest (CLIMAS) works closely with FEMA to perform assessments. Drought planning is supported
by the National Integrated Drought Information Management System. Each state has a drought
monitoring committee and Pima County also has a mosquito study map. In closing, Dr. Garfin
emphasized the need for a systems approach and understanding that includes linkages to risks and
authorities for assessing extreme weather. Assessments must be timely and frequent and incorporate
lessons on cascading impacts.
AZDEMA
On behalf of Ms. Wendy Smith-Reid, Deputy Director and Emergency Management Director, AZDEMA,
Ms. Lynn described the Arizona state emergency management system. At the state level, an All-Hazards
framework is used. This approach is not specific to any one emergency but is flexible to meet the
emergent needs in real-time and adopts language common to the region being served. Regarding
communication, the AZDEMA leverages partnerships with the National Weather Service and utilizes the
Integrated Public Alert Warning System (IPAWS). Communication primarily is bidirectional from the
state, county and local levels and involves the use of available technology and crowd sourcing. Direct
partners include the local, county and local tribal Nations. The Arizona Emergency Support Function
(ESF)/Recovery Support Function (RSF) Operations Dashboard was established in January 2018 and
consists of a 24/7 web-based computer application (App) that shares information in real-time and records
events in progress. The AZDEMA staff currently manages the AZ ESF/RSF dashboard, which is
available to stakeholders at the state and county level, but anticipates each jurisdiction assuming this
responsibility in the coming months, pending release of the final version. Ms. Lynn explained that
sensitive data is stored in the database and that the AZ ESF/RSF dashboard is therefore not open to the
public.
Preparedness includes a hazard mitigation plan. Local jurisdictions perform their own mitigation
planning. To qualify for funding after a federal disaster, a local jurisdiction must demonstrate prior
implementation of such hazard mitigations. Training is available at all jurisdictions and exercises and
tests are conducted. Response involves activities that aim to reduce economic loss and leverages public
and private partnerships to assist in the recovery efforts. Investments in pre-disaster mitigation are using
sound judgment, and jurisdictions are encouraged to sign up at the DEMA in advance of a disaster.
Ms. Lynn provided a list of entities and initiatives the AZDEMA interacts with that are relevant to North
America as well as the Arizona region:
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•	Arizona-Mexico Commission (Phoenix, Arizona)
•	Transportation Commission (Tempe, Arizona)
•	U.S.-Mexico Border 2020 Program (EPA)
•	CLIMAS (University of Arizona)
•	International Boundary & Water Commission (IBWC [El Paso, Texas])
•	Toward North American Humanitarian Response Summit (International Federation of Red Cross
and Red Crescent Societies)
Question and Answer Period
In response to a query by Dr. Nathan on the effect of the earlier Colorado River water diversion from the
1940s and the current drought situation, Dr. Garfin explained that El Nino events from the 1980s resulted
in flooding that reached the Gulf of California (Gulf). Dams built along the US-Mexico border, in
California and Mexico, now diverts water away from the Gulf. Because of this reason, droughts are a
concern in this region.
Mr. Andrew P. Carey (U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership), NAC member, sought clarity on
the reference to a minimum temperature. Dr. Garfin clarified that the overall minimum temperatures in
the United States have been increasing, partly due to the replacement of natural surfaces (i.e., roads) with
asphalt resulting in higher water retention and reduced cooling.
Mr. Donald K. Harris (Amerris Consulting, LLC), NAC member, asked whether cities/towns near the
US-Mexico border were included in the emergency planning procedures regarding power outages.
Dr. Garfin described the multiple coordinating mechanisms, which include water planning, the IBWC,
trilateral North American partnership on weather services, and Good Neighbor Environmental Board
(GNEB) Reports. Also, informal collaborations are in place to conduct extreme heat evaluations the Joint
Advisory Group of the formerly called NAFTA coordinates emergency management. Dr. Pardo requested
that a list of extreme weather events coordinating groups be shared with the committees.
In response to a query by Dr. Chischilly on updates on the U.S. Department of the Interior's (DOI)
declarations of water shortages and the Mohave Generating Station. Dr. Garfin replied that US National
Laboratories have been addressing the confluence of water management issues. Discussions on the
prospects of water sharing in the Colorado River system are ongoing. Regarding generating station issues,
Dr. Garfin was only aware that an alternative power source was being considered.
Ms. Sagovac wondered whether policy changes and/or research were being planned to address structural
vulnerabilities and health impacts following an extreme weather event, especially damage from strong
winds. In her experience, residents located in urban areas are challenged to meet the current U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development guidelines for financial support. Dr. Garfin explained
that various initiatives and reports that assess vulnerabilities, but may not be a scale applicable to all
regions. The list includes Tucson mapping/economic assessments, National Climate Assessments, EPA
reports and local assessments from universities, which he can compile and forward to committees.
Ms. Green asked about utilities' access to the AZ ESF/RSF dashboard and database. Ms. Lynn replied
that information is shared on a county-to-county level and that county partners included the utility
companies. The launch of the new county pages should provide a streamlined data access method. Even
then, all utilities will not have access to the new ESF database, but the web-based Emergency Operations
Center (EOC) Crises Incident Management System is another tool that can provide information. The
objective is to provide a safe and secure system for data sharing among the groups. Ms. Green also
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pointed out that the cyber security protocols used by utility companies are stringent to ensure data security
is maintained. Ms. Lynn explained that the AZ ESF/RSF dashboard will leverage existing resources and
models to add geographical mapping features.
Ms. Brock commented that local concerns are different and reflect the region being served. She noted that
the emergency management director is not a specific and dedicated position at the local level and that
mitigation grants do not support expert consultants. Ms. Lynn agrees that continuously updating
relationships is necessary. Training can be expanded to include other disciplines, but will not negate the
high turnover seen in various groups. The state of Arizona has assumed some responsibility for recovery
at the local level, but funding to support mitigations remain a challenge. Ms. Lynn suggested that the
NAC/GAC consider providing input on ideas for funding.
In response to a query by Mr. Harris on the role of the city of Tucson and its diverse groups in emergency
planning, Ms. Lynn explained that all counties have dedicated emergency management systems and each
city has an emergency response plan. At the state level, a small percentage of planning is supported for
the local jurisdictions. Dr. Pardo asked Ms. Lynn to generate a list of aspirational peers that would be
models to emulate in the emergency response community.
Ms. Sagovac commented on identifying policies, small changes and examining the gaps in policies. The
FEMA qualifications for recovery after a national disaster may need to be revisited. Ms. Lynn agrees that
gaps in policy exist and noted the advantages of leveraging the efforts of the emergency first responders.
Public Comment Period
Tohono O'odham Nation Vice-Chairman, Verlon M. Jose, provided comments in-person at the meeting.
The information on extreme weather events discussed in the NAC/GAC meeting is important to the Tribal
Nations, is helpful for planning and should be broadly communicated and disseminated. He emphasized
the need to advocate for community coordination and establishing a drought contingency plan.
CEC Update on Operational Plan (OP) and NAPECA Grants
Cesar Rafael Chavez, Executive Director, CEC Secretariat
Mr. Cesar Rafael Chavez updated members on the 2017-2018 OP cooperative projects, ongoing CEC
initiatives, including the FY 2018 NAPECA grants and the new Council initiatives. The 10 active OP
projects, which were approved at the 2017 Council Session, are aligned with the three strategic priorities
set in the CEC 2015-2020 Strategic Plan. In 2018, the structure of the projects was adjusted to reflect
budget and timeline considerations related to CEC's transition to a new institutional approach that is still
being negotiated in the new ECA.
Mr. Chavez detailed the progress to date and future activities of the 10 active 2017-2018 OP cooperative
projects.
1.	Monitoring Health Impacts From Extreme Heat Events. Activities are being conducted by
partner health organizations in Arizona, Chihuahua and British Columbia. A workshop to share
results is scheduled for December 11, 2018, in Phoenix, Arizona.
2.	Reducing Pollution From Maritime Transport. A workshop on MARPOL Annex VI/Emission
Control Area implementation and enforcement strategies/procedures/technologies/incentive
programs is being planned.
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3.	Improving Black Carbon Emissions Inventory Data for Small-Scale Biomass Combustion.
Data collection and compilation are in progress in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
4.	Measuring Mitigation of Food Loss and Food Waste (FLW). The third Food Loss and Waste
Measurement Experts Group meeting will be held October 23-25, 2018, in Arlington, Virginia.
The Technical Report and Guide are scheduled to be released in early 2019. The draft
Educational Toolkit for youth is scheduled to be completed by early October 2018 and the final
version released in March 2019.
5.	Increasing Industrial Energy Efficiency Through ISO 50001. An International Organization
for Standardization (ISO) 50001 training program tailored for supply chains was designed and
launched, and a team of expert trainers has been selected. The U.S. Department of Energy's
Ready Navigator Tool has been translated into French and Spanish and will be made available to
program participants. Energy experts and governmental partners met with key stakeholders,
supply chain companies and industry associations in the three countries to promote and recruit for
the ISO 50001 Program, which is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2018.
6.	Supporting Sustainable Trade of CITES Species. A partnership and funding strategy is being
developed. A tarantula identification guide and outreach video also are being developed. Two
training workshops are scheduled: trinational trade and enforcement to be held October 24-25,
2018, in Miami, Florida, and capacity assessment on wood identification to be held November 6-
8, 2018, in Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
7.	Conserving Shorebirds Through Community Engagement. Outreach material to build
community capacity for developing ecotourism is in production. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
is developing a video segment on cultural values linking local communities and migratory
shorebirds. Conservation monitoring and outreach activities took place at all seven migratory
shorebird sites. Also, site exchanges to share knowledge and best practices took place in the
summer of 2018.
8.	Science for Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Conservation. A study to monitor the presence
and habitat of monarch butterflies in northern Mexico is in progress. A study investigating nectar
resources in northeastern Mexico in the spring season was completed; a similar study for the fall
season is due to begin October 2018. A trinational Monarch Knowledge Network is being
established. The Monarch Summit Workshop will be held January 29-31, 2019, in Mexico City,
Mexico.
9.	Strengthening Adaptive Capacity of Marine Protected Areas. The Coastal Mitigation and
Adaptation Toolkit is being developed and a Roster of Experts is being assembled. A Coastal
Mitigation and Adaptation Toolkit Review is scheduled for October 23-24, 2018, in Victoria
British Columbia, Canada. Pacific Northwest Sister-Sites Partnership Workshops are scheduled
for October 25-26, 2018, in the Victoria British Columbia, Canada, and La Paz, Baja, California.
10.	Building Community Solutions for Marine Litter. Pilot studies and environmental education
are being implemented in both regions and are expected to be completed in late November 2018.
Short outreach videos showcasing the regions are scheduled to be completed in March 2019.
Mr. Chavez highlighted three new Council initiatives.
• Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Initiative. Aims to identify and compile information on
communities and experts associated with TEK in North America. The information will include a
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comprehensive inventory and summary of relevant frameworks and mechanisms in each of the three
countries; an inventory and summary descriptions of examples of TEK-based projects in academia
and the private sector partners; and a list of indigenous and local communities that have engaged TEK
in practice. A TEK Expert Group consisting of representatives from each of the three countries has
been established and three requests for proposals (one in each of the three countries) have been
published.
•	Partnerships on Preparedness and Resilience to Extreme Events in North America Initiative.
Complements the current active project on monitoring health impacts from extreme heat events that is
scheduled to be completed at the calendar year end. The goal is to improve preparedness and response
to extreme events of relevance to communities and populations. The areas of collaboration include
building capacities and enhancing preparedness and response to extreme events, and promoting
collaboration and supporting communication and data sharing among governmental and academic
institutions. An Advisory Group has been established consisting of experts and practitioners
representing the three countries. Consultations are being conducted to identify priorities and trilateral
actions. A draft 2019 workplan is being developed and is expected to be finalized in November 2018.
•	North American Academic Network for Sustainability and Innovation Initiative. Aims to
enhance collaboration, capacity and engagement of youth on sustainability and innovation for green
growth. Participating academic institutions include Simon Fraser University and Concordia
University Universite Laval (Canada); Universidad Anahuac and Universidad Autonoma de
Queretaro (Mexico) and Oklahoma University (United States). A project plan will be developed and a
list of resources to leverage has been drafted.
Mr. Chavez reported on ongoing initiatives at the CEC and NAPECA grants. Work on a land coverage
map at a 30-meter resolution for the North American Land Change Monitoring System using 2015 data is
in progress. The NAEA continues to expand with new map layers and functionalities. The North
American Pollutant Releases and Transfers Taking Stock Report Volume 15 had been published. Updates
to Taking Stock Online was completed in October 2018. The database for the North American Portal on
Climate Pollutants needs updating with the most recent data submissions to the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change. Mr. Chavez reminded members that the first NAPECA
grants were issued in 2011. To date, the CEC has awarded $4.4 million to support 66 community projects.
Of the 66 funded, 20 originated in Canada, 24 in Mexico and 22 in the United States. The CEC funded
nine grants for FY 2018 and all are progressing and are on schedule to be completed by the end of 2018.
JPAC Report
Octaviana Trujillo, Ph.D., Professor, Applied Indigenous Studies, Northern Arizona University, Pascua
Yaqui Tribe, Member, JPAC
Dr. Octaviana Trujillo presented an update on JPAC activities. The June 2018 Council Session and the
Meeting of the JPAC were held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The theme of the JPAC public forum
focused on the future of trade and environmental cooperation in North America and highlighted two key
issues: (1) future areas of trilateral environmental cooperation and (2) expanding private sector
engagement in future CEC projects and initiatives. Dr. Trujillo summarized key discussion points and
recommendations from the JPAC meeting. The CEC should focus on enhancing partnerships with the
private sector and other organizations and leverage existing resources. Efforts also should focus on
promoting life cycle thinking within the circular economy. The CEC could be instrumental in helping
North American entrepreneurs meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The
CEC should strengthen its role as facilitator and continue the dialogue and knowledge sharing between
stakeholders across the three countries.
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During the Council Session, the JPAC had the opportunity to observe extreme weather events research at
the National Weather Center located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma and they also present
at the University's Tom Love Innovation Hub for the announcement of the YIC winners. The extended
events included an update from the Council on priorities and future directions as well as discussions on
productive work. Dr. Trujillo moderated the Council Session roundtable on innovation and partnerships
for green growth. The JPAC appreciates the hard work and continued support of the OITA.
In its advice letter from the June 2018 meeting, the JPAC outlined three recommendations: (1) focus the
CEC's role in North American environmental cooperation toward promoting and enhancing the
implementation of the SDGs in all three countries, (2) utilize existing national and subnational networks
to increase the local and regional impact of the CEC and (3) strengthen the CEC's focus on spearheading
North America's transition to a low-carbon economy by taking specific actions.
Regarding outreach and visibility of the CEC, the JPAC has always prioritized increasing the visibility of
the CEC, outreach and stakeholder engagement. Despite strong efforts by the Secretariat, CEC is not well
known in the broader community. To address this issue, consultant, Lu Lu Public Relations, has been
contracted to conduct interviews with key stakeholders in North America that the JPAC identified and
also to facilitate the upcoming private JPAC working session. The consultant also will compile and
synthesize the information from the 2-day meeting and will submit a final report inclusive of
recommendations.
The October 25-26, 2018 JPAC meeting will be held in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and will be devoted
to an expert discussion on enhancing the CEC's communications and outreach efforts in North America
and beyond. The meeting format will be revised to reflect a new dynamic. Discussions will focus on
communication strategies, enhancing collaborations and outreach. The meeting will be closed to the
public and the agenda has been provided to EPA. Dr. Trujillo conveyed that the JPAC appreciates the
efforts of the NAC and the GAC and also appreciates the opportunity to present updates on their
activities.
Working Session II: Extreme Weather Events—Tribal Government Response
Cornelius Antone, Environment Director, Tohono O 'odham Nation
Robert DeLeon, Emergency Operations Director, Office of Emergency Management, GRIC
Tohono O'odham Nation
Mr. Antone described the tribal government emergency response to extreme weather events. The response
team is challenged to access certain areas due to the after effects of the heavy rainfalls, especially during
the Arizona Monsoon season and events such as the recent Hurricane Rosa. Complicating matters is the
fact that many of the roads in Tohono O'odham communities are not paved surfaces and are subject to
desert wash. Also, residents may live great distances from a main road. The Menagers Dam was
threatening a breech and tensions/fears were high during the recent crisis. The Environmental Protection
Office emergency response team coordinated with other groups, including the Red Cross, to activate and
manage shelters. Evacuations, however, were problematic for the reasons previously noted. The tribal
authority began performing assessments for utilities, phone service, structure damage and roads. Other
assessments for mold at large facilities also are conducted. Various programs and departments are
engaged in the response to an extreme event.
Mr. Antone explained that current efforts are focused on establishing communications in those areas of
the reservation in which phone service is still not possible (i.e., dead zones). Aside from heavy rainfall,
extreme heat also is a problem. The region experiences microbursts, dust storms and haboobs. Mr. Antone
remarked on the changing weather patterns he has observed over the years, including the frequency of
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extreme events. Implementing emergency preparedness strategies across the reservation is challenging
due to the resistance to change. Increased understanding of the use of TEK would be helpful.
GRIC
Mr. Robert DeLeon described the extreme weather event response in the GRIC. Since 1970, the average
U.S. summer temperature has been almost 2°F warmer. In fact, Arizona has been experiencing a dramatic
increase in extreme heat. Elevated temperatures have been attributed to the increases in the frequency of
wildfires and larger acreages of burning worldwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) reports on the impact of extreme heat and severe weather on human health, including heat-related
illness and death and mental anguish from the forced migration due to environmental degradation.
Emergency response organizations and emergency managers are challenged to find the necessary
empirical data correlating extreme events to the health outcomes due to a lack of tracking of these data.
Noting that extreme weather is defined as unexpected, unusual, unpredictable, severe, or seasonal weather
at extremes of historical distribution, and accounts for 5 to 10 percent of most unusual events, Mr.
DeLeon emphasized that these percentages are growing and are a major concern in the emergency
response community.
Mr. DeLeon explained that emergency management in the GRIC is a system. The community (GRIC) is
at the center and—emergency management, leadership and departments, including programs, and
entities—are the three pillars. Subject matter experts in the various departments, programs and entities are
charged to assess the conditions from their perspectives and engage in the planning processes. Leadership
supports emergency management with funding. Emergency management involves implementation of the
program. Planning, the multiagency coordination system collaboration and All- Hazards approach are all
components of the GRIC emergency management program.
The GRIC emergency management program ensures EOC readiness, conducts training and exercises
across the reservation and utilizes the FEMA National Incident Management System. Planned
maintenance, public health emergency preparedness, resources/logistics, and competitive funding
mechanisms (e.g., grants) are built into the broader emergency management program. The emergency
operations plan defines the program's activities, which also include hazard mitigation and threat hazard
assessments. The GIRC's Tribal Emergency Response Commission (TERC) strictly focuses on assessing
the chemical aspects (C-TERC) and is responsible for emergency planning for chemical spills.
Communication is paramount in the GIRC emergency response. Systems being used include the reverse
911 notification system, IPAWS, Intranet and Internet, television and radio, and door-to-door.
Mr. DeLeon called attention to the online emergency resource catalog, which is accessible from the GRIC
website. The necessary supplies (e.g., electrical generators) are available to support and independently
respond within the first 72 hours of an emergency. He identified some future resource needs, including
increased science, funding, housing and 72-hour kits. In closing, Mr. DeLeon summarized key points for
emergency management: support emergency management activities at all levels; prepare for high
probability/high consequence events; ensure that partners know their roles during all emergencies; meet
regularly, prior to an event; and work and practice collaboratively.
Question and Answer Period
In response to a query by Ms. Sagovac on local industry engagement in the emergency operations plan,
Mr. DeLeon explained that the GRIC participates in the Arizona Tier II chemical reporting system, which
is captured via the C-TERC. Industry partners input their Tier II data into a state-sponsored cloud-based
system, which is then reported to the GIRC and also can be shared with public health offices. The
regional hazardous materials response team also is active in this area. Ms. Brock called attention to the
Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know system. Ms. Brock also commented that an
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environmental health emergency preparedness capability should be incorporated into emergency
management programs.
Ms. Gonzales wondered about the older buildings, which may contain asbestos impact emergency
response planning. Mr. DeLeon explained that the GRIC Environmental Quality Department performs
asbestos and mold testing in residential and commercial building after storm damage. Asbestos
remediation cost can be expensive and must be planned and budgeted. Ms. Green observed that structures
built prior to 1972 often test positive for asbestos. Mr. DeLeon added that in the GRIC home repairs and
assistance depend on the type of home (e.g., community, federal or industrial).
In response to a query by Ms. Gonzales on the impact to Head Start Programs and disruption in service,
Mr. Antone explained that each district is responsible for its own program and would be overseeing any
relocations to an unaffected area. Head Start Programs on the reservation are not managed through a
central base.
Mr. Harris wondered about the tribal community's autonomy regarding electricity generation and/or
sewage system maintenance. Mr. Antone pointed out that the Tucson Electric Power maintains the power
grid and the Tohono O'odham Nation utility authority distributes the power across the reservation. Power
outages are experienced during inclement weather and repairs can be delayed due to problems traversing
the desert terrain. Being able to manage without power on the reservation can vary depending on an
individual or family's preparedness.
Dr. Pardo asked Mr. Antone his opinion on the critical expertise needed, given the meeting charge.
Mr. Antone responded that communications and infrastructure, especially roads, are crucial.
Summary and Next Steps
Theresa Pardo, Ph.D., Chair of the NAC
Ms. Sally Ann Gonzales, Acting Chair of the GAC
Dr. Pardo explained the logistics for the following day and completion of the meeting agenda. She asked
for thoughts on framing and organizing the NAC and GAC charge question discussions.
Ms. Sandoval sought clarity on the scope of the charge. Dr. Pardo clarified that the committees are
charged to provide advice on actors (individuals or groups) who are expert and highly effective in
responding to extreme weather events. Mr. Troche noted that the U.S. team of advisors who are
collaborating on the North America Extreme Events Advisory Group include representatives from the
CDC, CLIMAS, DOI's Bureau of Land Management, EPA Office of Research and Development,
National Institutes of Health Division of Emergency Management, National Interagency Fire Center and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The meeting was recessed at 4:17 p.m.
MST.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Carrillo, who noted that the day's agenda focused on the business
meeting of the NAC/GAC. He introduced Ms. Geraldine Brown, FACMD, EPA, to provide logistical
information regarding travel vouchers and other matters.
On behalf of EPA, Mr. Carrillo recognized the contributions made by members of the NAC and the GAC
whose terms of office have expired. He expressed appreciation for their service and dedication over the
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course of their terms. The following NAC members are retiring: Dr. Abbas Ghassemi (New Mexico State
University); Ms. Carolyn L. Green (EnerGreen Capital Management); Ms. Mary L. Klein (Wildlife
Habitat Council) and Dr. Ivonne Santiago (University of Texas at El Paso). The following GAC members
are retiring: Ms. Edna A. Mendoza (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality), Gerald M. Keenan
(State of Illinois), Ana Maria Cristina Viesca-Santos (El Paso County Attorney's Office) and Jeffrey N.
Wennberg (City of Rutland). Mr. Carrillo also acknowledged members who will not be continuing on the
committees due to appointments away from the environmental sector or personal reasons and expressed
his appreciation for their hard work and dedication. The following members stepping down are: Martha
Bohort (formerly of the City of Norfolk); Donald K. Harris (Amerris Consulting, LLC) and Dr. Charles
Striplen (North Coast Regional Water Quality Control). On behalf of Ms. Nishida and the OITA,
Mr. Troche thanked members for their commitment and service.
Mr. Carrillo informed the committees the NAC and GAC 2-year appointments will expire on
October 22, 2018. Members will be receiving their reappointment letters, which they will need to sign and
return to EPA. In addition, the future meeting dates have not been selected. Members will be asked via a
Doodle Poll for their availability to attend a discussion at the spring/fall 2019 meeting dates.
Plenary: Joint Committee Meeting
Dr. Pardo explained the logistics for the business meeting and remarked on the overview of the proposed
USMCA and ECA presented on Day 1 of the meeting. She asked Mr. Carrillo how the modernizing of the
NAFTA and NAAEC would impact the NAC and the GAC. Mr. Carrillo explained that NAC and the
GAC were re-chartered for 2 years (2018-2020) per the FACA guidelines. The 2017 Presidential
Executive Order renewed the committees for 2 years, which will expire in 2019. Mr. Ferrante is
representing EPA in the NAFTA renegotiation process and has indicated that guidelines for advisory
committee participation are contained within the USMCA Environment Chapter. He reiterated that the
Agreement is still under review,
Public Comment Period
No public comments were offered.
Committees Meet Separately
Dr. Pardo explained that the NAC and GAC would meet separately and then reconvene for a report on
their individual deliberations.
GAC Separate Meeting
Ms. Gonzales opened the GAC discussion and noted the charge. She suggested that members identify
specific areas relative to the charge that they could, using their environmental expertise and background,
address and to provide comments, which would shape the advice letter. Ms. Sandoval observed that most
communities are challenged in the area of communications on the state and local levels in responding to
extreme weather events. In Michigan, the Department of Environmental Quality convenes the relevant
emergency response groups on a more frequent basis to share information and experiences. Members
called attention to earlier group discussions that emphasized improving community resilience to withstand
a crisis and continuous data collections on extreme heat to inform research as ways to ultimately improve
emergency-related communications. Leveraging Dr. Garfin's data on anticipating cascading effects from
climate extremes also should be considered in framing the advice letter.
Dr. Nathan shared that the city of San Antonio uses the All-Hazards profiling protocols on building
evacuations, relocations and recovery, extreme heat events, ozone alert and emergency preparedness
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drills, especially for events involving the U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement activities.
Dr. Nathan also recommended that public health officials be included as first responders in emergency
response plans. Mr. Antone reiterated that lack of clear communications is a gap in the emergency
response. Ms. Anna Cristina Maria Viscea-Santos (El Paso County Attorney's Office), GAC member,
remarked that broadly addressing the communication infrastructure is important to all communities. Ms.
Sandoval called attention to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services emergency plan
App that residents can download during an emergency.
Ms. Brock commented that on the local level, first responders such as the chief fire fighter assumes the
role as emergency manager despite other obvious obligations. She suggested that this gap in expertise in
local jurisdictions be addressed by recruiting experts to fill the positions of emergency response manager
and to provide compensation.
Ms. Gonzales restated the charge and moved the discussion to identifying the actors at the national, state,
local, tribal and private sector level who have expertise on early warning and preparedness. Ms. Mendoza
noted the necessity to understand the needs in a community such as resources, support systems and
emergency inventory. Members noted that details on diversifying emergency response drills, broader
participation in exercises and interoperability of resources, all should be considered in framing the advice
letter. In addition, they identified early warning experts and/or resources that include FEMA's HazUS,
meteorologists, TEK and research.
Members identified groups or entities whom EPA could leverage:
•	Environmental Council of States
•	FEMA Emergency Management Institute
•	First Responder Network Authority
•	Local Emergency Planning Committee
•	National Association of County Health Officials
•	National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials
•	National Council of State Legislators
•	National Emergency Management Association
•	National Public Health Service
•	National Tribal Operations Committee
•	Texas A&M University Disaster City
•	TERC
•	U.S. Geological Survey
•	U.S.-Mexico Border 2020 Task Force
•	U.S.-Mexico Inland Joint Response Team
•	U.S. National Response Team
NAC Separate Meeting
Dr. Pardo opened the NAC discussion by reviewing the charge. She pointed out that EPA is asking for
advice on expanding its list of organizations and groups to include direct responders who have knowledge
and expertise in extreme weather events. Mr. Harris commented that the definition of extreme weather
events is one place to start in framing the advice letter. Given that the definition speaks to events,
Ms. Green remarked that in her opinion, drought is a condition not an event. Mr. Hester suggested
providing to EPA sources of local information on extreme weather events and also examples of local level
events, and Mr. Harris suggested leveraging the resources of EPA Local Emergency Planning
Committees.
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Dr. Santiago commented on the need to generate a list of safe places to shelter from extreme heat.
Developing a database that would be publicly available also would be helpful. Mr. Harris explained that
establishing a database could be parlayed into advice on a best practice for extreme events. Dr. Pardo
suggested identifying a list of existing entities that are known in the emergency response community,
especially those that do not have overlapping capabilities. Identifying those groups or organizations that
are best as proactive efforts in responding to extreme weather events would be helpful.
Dr. Aminata P. Kilungo (The University of Arizona), NAC member, pointed out that any effort focused
on building resilience in a community would need to consider vulnerable populations and access.
Ms. Sagovac remarked on the universal versus differential emergency responses, which would be
reflective of the needs and vulnerability of the community. Resources such as the NOAA Community
Vulnerability Assessment Tool can be leveraged. Dr. Donna L. Lybecker (Idaho State University), NAC
member, emphasized that the neighbors are often first responders in a community and suggested that The
Community Builders is a group to consider.
Members further elaborated on vulnerable communities, access and barriers that should include nursing
homes, cultural differences (e.g., language) and communities outside of the contiguous United States.
Ms. Green reiterated that all extreme events are local and remarked on the need for any national
emergency response framework to be adaptable on the state and local levels. Members also weighed in on
the role and timing of philanthropic efforts in impacting emergency response and recovery in the local
community. In addition to the Red Cross, other national/international/initiatives with local reach include
the Rockefeller Foundation's Resilient Cities and Walmart Foundation.
Members identified communities that should be represented on the North America Extreme Events
Advisory Group:
•	Alaskan Athabascans (flooding)
•	Calexico, California (extreme heat)
•	Colorado Springs, Colorado (wild fires)
•	GRIC (flooding)
•	Houston, Texas Harris County (flooding)
•	Phoenix, Arizona (extreme heat)
Committees Reconvene in Plenary Session
Reports From the NAC and GAC Chairs
Dr. Pardo reviewed the NAC deliberations. Members discussed a set of important perspectives, which
could be included as an Appendix to the advice letter. The consensus was that all assessments are local,
and those jurisdictions are engaged in all aspects of the emergency response. There are vast regional
differences that influence the nature of an event. The variety of events and contextual characteristics
should be considered. The committee identified key communities that could relay these perspectives to
the North America Extreme Events Advisory Group, including representatives from Houston, Texas
Harris County (flooding); Phoenix, Arizona (extreme heat); Calexico, California (extreme heat); and
Colorado Springs, Colorado (wild fires). Different types of extreme events are occurring that have
different characteristics and are exacerbated due to a lack of preparedness and planning. The response
efforts on the national level will need to be translatable to the state and local levels.
Members discussed items that should be included on the North American Extreme Events Advisory
Group checklist such as mechanisms to reach vulnerable communities and alternate methods of
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communications. Extreme heat and extreme cold events are direct effects on human health, whereas
events such as hurricanes destroy structures. The emergency response should be aligned accordingly.
Ms. Gonzales reviewed the GAC deliberations. Members discussed the emergency response to extreme
events in the context of the examples presented during the meeting and identified gaps. Local jurisdictions
should secure funding and hire personnel full-time that would be devoted to emergency response
management. Some members observed that public health officials are not included in the emergency
response plan. A suggestion was made to focus efforts on resolving communication issues, which may
require infrastructure changes. Less sophisticated technologies such as color-coded signs, bells and/or
sirens may be the best options to reach remote areas for early response. Early warnings should be
structured to meet the needs of the community being served. The tribal communities have long used TEK,
which could be leveraged for understanding extreme events. Members proposed developing tools or
providing resources to build resiliency and preparedness in families rather than just relying on the
emergency response system in an event.
Adjournment
Dr. Pardo and Ms. Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 12:10 p.m. MST.
Action Items
~	Mr. Ferrante will forward to Mr. Carrillo the link to the draft ECA.
~	Mr. Carrillo will forward to the committees speakers' PowerPoint presentation slides.
~	Dr. Garfin will forward to Mr. Carrillo a list of groups to engage in trilateral extreme weather
events to share with the committees.
~	Dr. Garfin will forward to Mr. Carrillo a list of vulnerability assessment initiatives and reports to
share with the committees.
~	Committees will forward ideas on funding requirements for hazard mitigation plans to
Mr. Carrillo.
~	Ms. Lynn will forward to Mr. Carrillo a list of aspirational peers that would be models to emulate
in the emergency response community.
~	Dr. Pardo will share her draft advice letter on sharing and enhancing capacity for early warning,
preparedness, response and adaptation/resilience to extreme events with the NAC members for
their comments.
~	Ms. Gonzales will share her draft advice letter on sharing and enhancing capacity for early
warning, preparedness, response and adaptation/resilience to extreme events with the GAC
members for their comments.
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Summary Certification
I, Sally Gonzales, Acting Chair of the Governmental Advisory Committee, and I, Theresa Pardo, Chair of
the National Advisory Committee, certify that the meeting minutes for the dates of October 10-11, 2018,
as hereby detailed, contain a record of the persons present and give an accurate description of matters
discussed and conclusions reached and copies of all reports received, issued or approved by the advisory
committees. My signature date complies with the 90-day due date after each meeting required by the GSA
Final Rule.
Sally Ann Gonzales
Acting Chair, GAC
Theresa A. Pardo
Chair, NAC
Date: 11/13/2018
Date: 11/13/2018
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Appendix A: Meeting Participants
NAC Members
Theresa Pardo, Ph.D., Chair
Director
Center for Technology in Government
Associate Professor of Public Administration
and Policy
University at Albany - State University of New
York
Andrew P. Carey
Executive Director
U.S.-Mexico Border Philanthropy Partnership
Ann Marie Chischilly, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
Northern Arizona University
Carolyn L. Green
Founder/Managing Partner
EnerGreen Capital Management, LLC
Donald K. Harris
President and Founder
Amerris Consulting, LLC
Tracy D. Hester, J.D.
Professor of Practice
University of Houston Law Center
Aminata P. Kilungo, Ph.D.
Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public
Health
Department of Health and Promotion Science
The University of Arizona
Donna L. Lybecker, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
Department of Political Science
Idaho State University
Simone Sagovac
Project Director
Southwest Detroit Community Benefits
Coalition
Ivonne Santiago, Ph.D.
Professor
College of Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso
GAC Members
Sally Ann Gonzales, Acting Chair
State Representative
Arizona House of Representatives
Cornelius Antone
Environmental Engineer
Department of Safety
Tohono O'odham Nation
Environmental Protection Office
Marina M. Brock
Senior Environmental Specialist
Environmental Health Division
Department of Health and the Environment
Barnstable County, Massachusetts
Edna A. Mendoza
Director
Office of Border Environmental Quality
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
Vincent R. Nathan, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Health Director
Metropolitan Health District
City of San Antonio, Texas
C. Nazaret Sandoval
Environmental Engineer
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Ana Maria Cristina Viesca-Santos, J.D.
Assistant County Attorney
El Paso County Attorney's Office
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Designated Federal Officer
Oscar Carrillo
Federal Advisory Committee Management
Division
Office of Administration and Resources
Management
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Participants
Geraldine Brown
Federal Advisory Committee Management
Division
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Joe Ferrante
Senior Advisor on Trade and Economics
Office of International and Tribal Affairs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Luis Troche
Senior Advisor
North American Program
Office of International and Tribal Affairs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Other Participants
Cesar Rafael Chavez
Executive Director
Commission for Environmental Cooperation
(CEC) Secretariat
Robert DeLeon
Emergency Operations Director
Gila River Indian Country
Gregg Garfin, Ph.D.
Deputy Director
Science Translation and Outreach
University of Arizona
Verlon M. Jose
Vice Chairman
Tohono O'odham Nation
Judy Lynn
South Region Coordinator
Arizona Department of Emergency & Military
Affairs
Sarah Lowden
Ph.D. Student
University of Maine
Sarah Stewart
Deputy Assistant
U.S. Trade Representative
Octavania Trujillo, Ph.D.
Member
Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC)
Contractor Staff
Carolyn J. Fisher, Ph.D.
The Scientific Consulting Group, Inc.
October 10-11, 2018 NAC/GAC Meeting Summary
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Appendix B: Meeting Agenda
HjNAC
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Environment and Trade Working Together
Advisors for a Sustainable Future
Official Meeting of the
National and Governmental Advisory Committees to the
U.S. Representative to the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
October 10-11, 2018
(All Times are in Mountain Standard Time)
The Sol of Tucson Conference Center
5655 W. Valencia Road
Tucson, Arizona 85757
Tel: 1.855,765.7829
Revised Final 10/10/I8
AGENDA
~ Ball Room A~
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
8:00 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. Call to Order and Introductions
Oscar Carrillo, Designated Federal Officer, U.S. EPA
8:40 a.m. Overview of Agenda
Theresa Pardo, Chair, National Advisory Committee
Sally Ann Gonzales, Acting Chair, Governmental Advisory Committee
9:00 a.m. Opening Remarks
Verlon M. Jose, Vice-Chairman, Tohono O'odham Nation
9:10 a.m. Update on USMCA and Meeting Charge
Sarah Stewart, Deputy Assistant USTR, Environment & Natural Resources (phone)
Joe Ferrante, Senior Advisor on Trade and Economics, OITA, EPA (via phone)
Luis Troche, Senior North America Advisor, OITA, U.S. EPA
Question & Answer
October 10-11, 2018 NAC/GAC Meeting Summary
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9:50 a.m.
10:00 a.m
11:30 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m.
2:15 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:30 p.m.
BREAK
Working Session I: Extreme Weather Events Overview
Dr. Gregg Garfin, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Science Translation & Outreach, Univ. of AZ
Judy Lynn, South Region Coordinator, Emergency Management, Arizona Department
of Emergency & Military Affairs
Question & Answer Period
Public Comments Period
LUNCH
CEC Update on Operational Plan and NAPECA Grants (Via Video)
Cesar Rafael Chavez, Executive Director, CEC Secretariat
Question & Answer Period
JPAC Report-out
Octaviana Trujillo, Member, Joint Public Advisory Committee
Question & Answer Period
BREAK
Working Session II: Extreme Weather Events: Tribal Government Response
Cornelius Antone , Environment Director, Tohono O'odham Nation
Robert DeLeon, Gila River Indian Tribe (Office of Emergency Management)
Question & Answer Period
Summary & Next Steps
Theresa Pardo, Chair, National Advisory Committee
Sally Gonzales, Acting Chair, Governmental Advisory Committee
ADJOURN
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Thursday. October 11. 2018
Business Meeting;
8:00 a.m. Registration
8:30 a.m. Call to Order
Oscar Carrillo, Designated Federal Officer, EPA
8:35 a.m. Plenary: Joint Committee Meeting
Theresa Pardo, Chair of the National Advisory Committee
Sally Gonzales, Acting Chair of the Governmental Advisory Committee
• Discussion Spring/Fall 2019 meetings (via doodle survey)
9:00 a.m. Public Comment Period
9:15 a.m. Committees Meet Separately
NAC stays in "Ballroom A" Conference Room
GAC meets in "Ballroom B" Conference Room
12:00 p.m. LUNCH
1:00 p.m. Committees Reconvene in Plenary Session
Report-outs from NAC/GAC Chairs
3:00 p.m. ADJOURN
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early warning, preparedness, response and resilience to drought-flood, wildfires and extreme
temperatures.
Because preparedness response and resilience is primarily a local effort, these actors may
contribute their expertise and best practices through the CEC initiative to help advance capacities
across North America.
October 10-11, 2018 NAC/GAC Meeting Summary
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