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Chair
Sally Ann Gonzales
Tel. 602-926-3278
sgonzalesPazleg.gov
U.S. Governmental Advisory Committee
Independent Federal Advisors on the
North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation
Designated Federal Officer
Oscar Carrillo
Tel. 202-564-2294
carrillo.oscar@epa.gov
August 28, 2019
Committee Members
Sally Ann Gonzales
Chair
Arizona
Patty Acomb
Minnesota
Cornelius Antone
Arizona
Elisa Arias
California
Marina M. Brock
Massachusetts
Leonard Drago
Arizona
Hector F. Gonzalez
Texas
Suzanne E. Hanson
Minnesota
Debra L. Kring
Kansas
Julia S. Moore
Vermont
Erich A. Morales
Texas
C. Nazaret Sandoval
Michigan
Kelly C. Wright
Shoshone-
Bannock Tribes
The Honorable Andrew R. Wheeler
Administrator
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20460
Dear Administrator Wheeler:
The U.S. Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) to the U.S. Representative to the North
American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) held its 52nd meeting in
Washington, D.C. on May 15-16, 2019. This letter represents our advice resulting from that
meeting.
Our meeting included presentations on EPA's organizational structure, the Federal
Advisory Committee Act, and on understanding the collaboration between the Office of
International and Tribal Affairs and the Federal Advisory Committee Management Division
in the operation of our committee. We also received a briefing on U.S. priorities for the
upcoming CEC Council Session from Luis Troche, Senior Advisor for North American Affairs,
EPA's Office of International and Tribal Affairs.
The committee also received updates on key activities at the CEC Secretariat from
Executive Director Cesar Rafael Chavez who updated members on the active 2017-2018
Operational Plan cooperative projects and grants. We also received a report on JPAC
activities from Sabaa Khan, JPAC Chair.
This was the first meeting for many newly appointed members, therefore members
became acquainted with each other by each presenting short presentations on hot topics
from the sectors and regions they represent. This activity became an excellent way to
understand the various trade and environment issues impacting business, academia and
NGO's. Our advice letter will include data from these presentations.
The meeting was opened by a welcome from Federal Advisory Committee
Management Division (FACMD) Director Monisha Harris, who provided an update on
FACMD activities, including the role of EPA's advisory committees. The GAC deeply
appreciates the excellent support provided by the FACMD and thanks Director Harris,
NAC/GAC Designated Federal Officer, Oscar Carrillo and all the FACMD staff for their
support, before, during and after the meeting. We hope this letter will be useful in your
deliberations with your counterparts in the CEC Council.
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Sincerely

Sally Ann Gonzales, Chair
Governmental Advisory Committee
cc: William Charles "Chad" Mcintosh, Assistant Administrator, Office of International
and Tribal Affairs (OITA), EPA
JaneT. Nishida, Principal Deputy Assistant Administrator, OITA, EPA
Monisha Harris, Director, Federal Advisory Committee Management Division
FACMD, EPA
Oscar Carrillo, Designated Federal Officer, FACMD, EPA
Mark Kasman, Director, Office of Regional & Bilateral Affairs, OITA, EPA
Luis Troche, Senior Advisor, North American Affairs, OITA, EPA
Louie Porta, Chair, Joint Public Advisory Committee
Richard A. Morgan, Executive Director, CEC
Members of the U.S. National and Governmental Advisory Committees
Administrative support for the GAC is provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Federal Advisory Committee Management Division, OMS
Mail Code 1601-M, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Washington,
D.C. 20460 (t) 202-564-2294 (f) 202-564-8129
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Governmental Advisory Committee
(GAC) to the U.S. Representative to the
Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)
Advice 2019 -1
(Meeting - May 15-16, 2019)
The May 2019 meeting of the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) resulted in advice that responds
in several ways to the priorities of the EPA via the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC).
•	Building disaster resilient communities
•	The circular economy
•	Interconnectedness among the sectors to become more resource efficient
•	Extreme events and
•	Disaster risk resilience (DRR)
The GAC's advice is organized according to three recommendations as follows:
1.	Making "Health" a priority in all policies relating to health and environmental issues
2.	Strategies for mitigating Extreme Events
3.	Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and the Environment
Following the specific recommendations to EPA, we provide a set of vignettes shared by members of the
GAC related to projects that highlight local and regional events relevant to trade and environment in
North America. In addition, this letter contains a section on "Other Advice."
1.	Implementing a change in policy by making Health a Priority in all policies relating to Health
and Environmental Issues
This advice directly aligns with The EPA's mission as an agency of the United States federal government
whose mission is to protect human and environmental health.
There is precedence at the state level for this type of policy as in the State of Vermont. The State of
Vermont has adopted a "Health in All Policies" collaborative approach to improve the health of all
people. A "Health in All Policies" approach identifies the ways in which decisions in any sector
influences health and ensures that population health considerations are incorporated across the breadth of
the State's policy decision making. A similar approach could be utilized in considering opportunities to
improve our resilience in the face of a changing climate which can be extreme at the local, state, federal
and trilateral level.
2.	Strategies for mitigating Extreme Events include the following:
Extreme events as defined by the CEC include wildfires, droughts, floods and extreme temperatures.
When extreme events occur, response and or mitigation are best addressed at the local rather than state or
federal level. However, resources should be provided by state and federal sources to support local
underserved areas such as the US/Mexico Border with its immense trade, commerce and international
migration. A needs assessment should be conducted as a tiered, community-based, targeted approach by
local entities. There are resources available to communities to conduct needs assessments through
mitigation grants available from organizations such as the Department of Health and Human Services.
Cities, Towns and Tribal Communities need to be made aware of the availability of these grants. When
conducting needs assessments and emergency plans, vulnerable populations such as young children,
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elderly, homeless, tribal communities and persons with limited mobility must be included.
a)	State Emergency Plans:
These plans serve as frameworks for local jurisdictions when they develop their own location-
specific plans. While the field of emergency management has evolved in terms of incorporating
the needs of individuals with access and functional needs, flaws in the way emergency plans are
written generally continue to consider the needs of these individuals as special accommodations
rather than as integral parts of each step of planning. California, for example, has had success in
restructuring its plan entirely. Rather than having one designated section to address these needs,
every section now features need-specific recommendations. This simple but effective
restructuring has resulted in such improvements as accessible transportation for evacuations and
interpreters at press conferences. California's leadership on this issue serves as an excellent
example of the appropriate integration of all community members from mitigation to recovery.
b)	Sector Connectedness across regional groups is another key component to Extreme Events
mitigation.
Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) if not existing should be created in order to
implement communication mechanisms among neighboring jurisdictions in case of Extreme
Events. All neighboring regions local and international can prepare by having a unified
emergency plan in place to establish: a lead point of contact and command station, evacuation
plans and designated evacuation sites, emergency communication applications and channels,
comprehensive information and delivery methods to the public, ensure that all types of
emergency communication, tools and equipment are cross compatible among all participating
jurisdictions. This is best accomplished by bringing together "local and regional" government
representation around the table to best identify gaps and impediments to more effective local
prevention and mitigation strategies.
c)	Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural and linguistic sensitivity should be utilized when communicating information with the
public during Extreme Events. Cultural and language barriers need to be recognized and
addressed to communicate effectively and simply among different populations and communities.
Again, special attention to vulnerable populations such as young children, elderly, homeless,
tribal communities and persons with limited mobility must to be included as a priority. When
distributing and communicating information, a conscious effort needs to be made to understand
communities' different languages and cultures to promote trust and confidence in the information
being provided. Multilingual and visual (fish in circle and line across to signify don't eat the fish)
information needs to be prepared in advance, a method to deliver information i.e., door to door,
radio and public service announcements, be prepared to find modes of communication in rural
areas void of cell service capabilities, lack of internet connectivity, etc. Information must be
clear, concise, simple illustrations and easy to read to avoid confusion.
d)	Emphasize Community Education and Awareness
Arizona experiences public health risks from extreme heat to freezing temperatures, monsoons,
and prolonged drought conditions. During the summer, Arizona is exposed to extreme heat, above
100°F, frequently on sequential days, and, in some cases, the temperature can rise above 120°F.
In addition, severe storms during monsoon season can lead to instances of flash flooding;
prolonged drought conditions promote wildfires and poor air quality; and winter months can lead
to freezing temperatures and snow storms.
Arizona's Department of Health Services' Extreme Weather and Public Health Program provides
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resources for individuals, families, and organizations to plan before, during, and after events such
as a heat wave, wildfire, flood, extreme cold, or poor air quality days. To help Arizona residents
and visitors make informed decisions about their daily activities during poor air quality days,
ADEQ issues air quality forecasts, like weather forecasts, for areas of the state where monitors
observe levels of pollution that are harmful to public health and the environment.
When the forecast indicates poor air quality, a press release is distributed containing public health
messaging and either a:
•	Health Watch (HW), when air pollution levels are expected to approach the federal health
standard, or
•	High Pollution Advisory (HPA), when air pollution levels are expected to exceed the federal
health standard.
•	The public can also sign up to receive the Air Quality Forecast notifications by email or text |
Subscribe.
When disasters occur, and extreme events reach emergency conditions, the Arizona Department
of Emergency and Military Affairs (AZDEMA) provides emergency updates and preparedness
resources via the Arizona Emergency Information Network website (AZEIN), ein.az.gov, which
is "relied upon throughout the Whole Community to provide timely and accurate public
information (e.g., protective actions) before, during and after emergencies." AZDEMA
emphasizes the importance for preparedness in helping the community design their own plan
using four simple steps:
•	Plan for family evacuation and communication
•	Check on neighbors
•	Prepare by gathering information i.e. www.ein.az.gov.
•	Inquire to understand the hazards in your community, monitor the media for new coverage
and request evacuation plans and preparedness procedures beforehand from companies and
schools around you.
•	Urge those around you to be prepared with emergency and evacuation plans.
For the local county level, the Local Emergency Planning Committees (LEPCs) develop an
emergency response plan that is reviewed annually and provides information about chemicals in
the community to citizens. The plans are developed by LEPCs with stakeholder participation.
Each LEPC has a membership from relevant government agencies, industry, and the community.
EPA along with other Federal agencies who understand the US framework and can be involved in
incentivizing local, tribal, regional, and state actions (examples may include DHS, FEMA, CDC,
USPHS, etc.) to fill the gaps and develop or provide useful resources to move local, tribal,
regional levels forward to take necessary actions on their own behalf.
e) Family Emergency Plans
Families are encouraged to be pro-active by having their own family emergency plan and should
be encouraged to practice their plans. A meeting place in case of an emergency, have essential
contact numbers, medication lists readily accessible (family members, family physicians, school,
work and other organizations). Families should consider acquiring emergency and evacuation
plans for all family members' schools and workplaces. For example, if your family member
works at a nuclear power plant, how and where are employees evacuated to?
A survival kit that includes water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, back up batteries (for radios,
cell phones) and flashlights should be prepared.
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3. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and the Environment
The GAC members value the intersection and interactions between TEK members and the CEC. TEK
complements and expands upon Western scientific methods and the importance of raising awareness
about culturally appropriate approaches among environmental partners working collaboratively with
Tribal nations. Though underutilized in general, GAC members are pleased of CEC's commitment to
acknowledging the benefits of Traditional Ecological Knowledge. Members of the TEK are a valuable
resource, bringing perspectives and examples on how TEK is being applied or could be applied in context
to address pressing environmental concerns. Therefore, the GAC members advise EPA and CEC to
continue working with TEK members as they continue working on the priorities of the EPA through the
North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC)
LOCAL AND REGIONAL LIGHTNING TALKS ON Trade and Environment Issues in North
America
Vignettes are based on five-minute lightning talks from GAC/NAC Members on local and regional events
and capabilities with respect to trade and environment in North America.
Impacts of Border Delays for People and Trade at all ports on entry along the US/Mexico Border
well-presented through the California-Baja California Ports of Entry by GAC Member, Ms. Elisa
Arias, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
Per the 2007 Economic Impacts from Border Wait Times Delay Study conducted by SAND AG, the
increase in vehicle crossings at the California Baja California (U.S.-Mexico) Ports of Entry (POE) (i.e.
border crossing) has resulted in congestion, delays and reduced air quality. The SAND AG study was
expanded in 2017 to include survey data on air quality variables (e.g., vehicle fleet and fuel) and showed
that heavy-duty vehicles crossing the border are newer than passenger vehicles and those crossing into
California are subjected to regulations related to model-year engines. Pollutant emission rates vary by fuel
purchase location and border crossers tend to purchase fuel in the United States. The Mexican
government is aligning fuel regulations with standards set in the Paris Accord agreement. Ms. Arias
highlighted the efforts underway to improve air quality in the California-Baja California region, including
infrastructure changes at POEs and air quality and border wait time monitoring.
Inadequate infrastructure capacity at the border crossings between California and Baja California create
traffic congestion and delays for cross-border personal trips and freight movements that result in
substantial economic impacts. Thousands of vehicles idling daily at the border crossings also have
impacts on air quality. The proposed SAFE Vehicles Rule would roll back national fuel-efficiency
standards and would repeal California's higher fuel efficiency standards that were allowed to address the
state's unique air quality challenges. It would also revoke California's authority to implement clean
vehicle and zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandates. Several other states have adopted California's
stricter emissions standards and ZEV mandates. If finalized, the rule would negatively impact California's
ability to meet its greenhouse gas emissions and pollutant emissions reduction goals as well as public
health and equity goals. In addition, it would limit the ability of transportation agencies to deliver
transportation projects that support the economy, provide for congestion relief, improved goods
movement, and reliability.
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Cape Cod, Massachusetts Public Health/Works Pilot Project by GAC Member, Marina Brock, Senior
Environmental Specialist Environmental Health Division, Barnstable County, Massachusetts.
Ms. Brock described the Cape Cod pilot project with the local Departments of Public Utilities and Public
Works involving 15 neighboring towns, which is innovatively engaging non-traditional environmental
partners. The issue is that Massachusetts state and local governments are exempt from occupational health
and safety and environmental regulations. There is no environmental safety structure in place at public
utilities and staff members are exposed to unsafe conditions in the work environment without the benefit
of standards or regulations. Some efforts are focused on implementing the minimum Occupational Safety
and Health Administration standards locally. The pilot project is working with Northeastern University
scientists, Massachusetts Worker's Compensation, state enforcement agencies and state insurers to
develop an environmental structure for public utilities and public works programs, seemingly starting
from a blank slate. The pilot also will identify barriers and resource gaps as well as positive practices. Ms.
Brock emphasized that connectivity across agencies and groups is crucial. Information technology issues
also are significant.
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Projects by GAC Member Leonardo Drago,
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Arizona.
Mr. Drago described some of the ADEQ's ongoing projects focused on air quality, surface water,
wastewater and transmission. Air quality monitoring in San Luis Obispo, California, indicates ozone
transfer, but it is unclear if the source is Mexico or California. In Arizona, surface water monitoring is
connected to the Tribal engagement efforts. Dr. Drago noted that the ADEQ is considering the Clean
Water Act 404 assumption for the state of Arizona, which has a proven record of improving permitting
times. Meetings were conducted with the 22 Tribes in Arizona for their input. In partnership with the
North American Development Group, the aging wastewater infrastructure and system upgrades are being
addressed in short-term mitigations. In 2018, the Arizona Corporation Commission began transmission
work in Canada, Mexico and the United States to help build capacity.
In northern Minnesota on Great Lake Restoration Initiative etc. by GAC Member, Suzanne Hansen,
Minnesota/U.S.-Canada Border.
Ms. Suzanne E. Hanson (Minnesota Pollution Control Agency), pointed out that Duluth, Minnesota, is
home to the largest Great Lakes port and sits on Lake Superior. The area is known for its mining and
logging industries. Copper mining activities pose recent threats and air quality is the primary
environmental impact. Ms. Hanson credits Great Lakes/Duluth successes in pollutant control to the Tribal
partnerships established over the past 25 years, cooperation of Canada and the United States via the IJC,
and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). Phosphorus is a major pollutant in the Rainy-Lake of
the Woods and originates in the lake. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the GLRI provide
funding support for pollution control projects.
Humanitarian Crisis on US-Mexican Border/Ozone Air Quality El Paso, Texas POEs by GAC
Member Erich Morales, El Paso County Attorney's Office, Texas.
Mr. Erich A. Morales explained that the current immigrant issues are having a dramatic effect on the El
Paso POEs. The traffic is heavy on major interstates ordinarily because of the POEs and trade. Currently,
resources are being redirected and trade and truck crossing is at a standstill at the international POE,
which is negatively impacting air quality. The low social and economic status neighborhoods are most
affected. The quality of food, including produce, is reduced due to spoilage from sitting for long periods
of time. Local health care systems, in terms of unknown status of infectious diseases, and housing also are
being affected.
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Vermont U.S.-Canada Border Lakes by GAC Member, Ms. Julia S. Moore, Secretary Agency of
Natural Resources, Vermont.
Ms. Moore said that Vermont's border issues involve standing water and the U.S.-Canada Lake
Champlain and Lake Memphremagog Watersheds. The Vermont Agency for Natural Resources
coordinates cross-border activities and interstate responses to reduce lake phosphorus levels and works
with the Lake Champlain geographical area program, but responses vary by region. The Vermont dairy
industry has been in decline economically, which impacts their participation in any water conservation
efforts. Ms. Moore mentioned that water quality remains at the forefront of Vermont's environmental
issues.
The Plastics Industry and The Circular Economy by NAC Member, Ms. Jennifer J. Ronk, Dow
Chemical.
From the plastics industry perspective, the aim is on preventing marine debris and producing materials
that are circular. The plastics industry is seeing challenges with the onset of China's import ban, as well
as with opportunities for industries to grow and infrastructure investments. Resolving these challenges
will positively affect marine litter and debris.
Mission, Kansas Clean Energy and Repurposing Efforts by GAC Member, Debra Kring, City of
Mission, Kansas.
Ms. Kring informed participants that Kansas is the number one state in wind power generation. The city
of Mission is the only one in Kansas that returns 8 percent of revenue to residents for recycling their trash
and other products. Plastic bags are recycled and converted into reusable goods, such as banners or
purses. Mission makes use of Form-based Codes, which provide instructions on building materials.
Plastics Recycling Options by GAC Member, Debra Kring, City of Mission, Kansas.
In the past, EPA's Superfund program, coordinated with potentially responsible parties (PRPs) that held
some responsibility for contaminating land (as an owner, operator, generator, or disposer). EPA had fee
schedules established as repayment to the Government for cleaning up these properties OR the PRP could
clean the property, with EPA oversight. One company (a manufacturing plant) determined that they
would provide a solution for the contaminated land that would be sustainable over time and meet new
standards for environmental restoration. One of their key products was "tires", so they created a large-
scale rubber shredder, which broke down the tires into rubber pieces. The pieces were then heat-pressed
and made into rubber mats. This process led the plant to not only becoming a key provider of rubber mats
throughout the U.S. but produced a secondary success in alleviating the "tires going into a landfill". The
plant eventually recycled other items into enhanced restored products that contributed to the circular
economy and was recognized for their 'environmental stewardship".
Waters of the United States: Impact to Tribes by NAC Member, Dr. Ann Marie Chischilly, Northern
Arizona University.
NAC member explained that new decisions on the waters of the United States will be detrimental in the
Tribal communities. Tribes living in Alaska rely on the lakes and rivers for their water supply and
sustenance. The National Tribal Council developed a comment letter detailing their concerns. Dr.
Chischilly also pointed out that the issues between states and Tribes are ongoing. In terms of emergency
response, Tribes often engage the state and local governments in times of emergency, and at times those
relations are not friendly. She emphasized how it was fundamental to understanding how treaties impact
Tribes.
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OTHER ADVICE
GAC members appreciate the opportunity to participate and provide advice to EPA and hope the
collaboration will continue well into the future. The members wish to convey that in order for the GAC
advice to be a viable source of information and solutions on health and environmental issues, the
members urge the EPA to acknowledge that the increased frequency, intensity and wide spread
devastation of extreme events are due to climate change. Also, GAC would recommend that the CEC
encourage Mexico and Canada to establish NAC/GAC counterparts in their respective countries in order
to promote a wider range of perspectives and solutions for public and environmental health on a larger
scale.
GAC strongly feels that its' advice along with other federal advisory committees are essential to EPA's
mission. These advisory groups provide expertise from all regional sections of the U.S., at the grassroots
levels. We hope that the NAC and GAC continue to be a valued service to the EPA and the American
People.
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