May 20, 2008 CIEL and the Sustainable Development Law and Policy Journal will co-host an event about climate change, territorial, and species issues facing the Arctic on March 20, 2008, at American University’s Washington College of Law in Washington, DC, from 12-4pm, with a reception to follow. Registration is free to the public. Students, Alumni, … Read More.
For Immediate Release April 1, 2008 Washington, D.C.-Over 700 community members and ex-sugarcane workers from the Pacific coast of Nicaragua filed a complaint yesterday with the International Finance Corporation for injuries to their health and environment caused by the operations of Nicaragua Sugar Estates Limited (NSEL). NSEL received a $55 million loan from the IFC in … Read More.
February 21, 2008 Since its inception, discussions in the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Working Group on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) have continuously referred to the World Intellectual Property Organization. In particular, some delegations have argued that intellectual property related issues such as the protection of traditional knowledge and disclosure of origin in patent applications … Read More.
February 15, 2008 In February 2008, a Working Group of the United Nations charged with revising key international arbitration rules rebuffed calls by many States and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to discuss introducing transparency requirements into arbitrations brought by private foreign investors against States. Under most international investment treaties, foreign investors have the right to bring … Read More.
For Immediate Release January 22, 2008 On 19 December, 2007, the Federation of Indigenous Cacataibo Communities (FENACOCA), the Peruvian NGO Instituto del Bien Común, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL); with the support of the Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP), have requested precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on … Read More.
On 19 December 2007, the Federation of Indigenous Cacataibo Communities (FENACOCA), the Peruvian NGO Instituto del Bien Común, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL); with the support of the Asociación Interétnica de Desarrollo de la Selva Peruana (AIDESEP), have requested precautionary measures from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) to protect the … Read More.
Berne Declaration, Alliance Sud, and CIEL Media Briefing: Intellectual Property and Proposed European Free Trade Area (EFTA) Bilateral Agreements with Developing Countries December 2007 CIEL challenges Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein (the European Free Trade Association) over their anti-development pursuit of intellectual property provisions in Free Trade Agreements with developing countries, at a media briefing … Read More.
November 2, 2007 The Center for International Environmental Law, joined by the Agency for Cooperation and Research in Development (Kenya), Both ENDS (Netherlands) and Jagrata Juba Shangha (Bangladesh), has today petitioned the WTO compliance panel in EC – Bananas III (DS 27) to allow web-casting of the proceedings. The meeting on compliance (to be held … Read More.
November 2007 At the recent WTO Public Forum CIEL hosted a discussion on the problem of an increasingly fragmented legal framework. WTO Members have been largely unsuccessful in negotiating explicit multilateral solutions on coherence, shifting some of the responsibility to dispute settlement panels and the Appellate Body. Clarity is needed in order to foster coherence … Read More.
October 11, 2007 Geneva, Switzerland — On October 11, 2007, a coalition of human rights and environmental organizations from Europe and Mercosur countries submitted an amicus curiae brief to the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Appellate Body in the Brazil-Retreaded Tyres case. In this dispute, the EC challenged Brazil’s ban on the importation of retreaded tyres, … Read More.
September 2007 Philip Blumberg, founder and Chairman of Blumberg Capital Partners, is pleased to announce his companies’ support for environmentally friendly real estate operations as an institutional supporter of CIEL’s Climate Change Program. “It’s increasingly clear that environmental impact is a bottom line issue as well as a social one. The Center for International Environmental Law … Read More.
September 2007 In August 2007, the Peruvian government approved oil and gas exploration in the traditional territories of the indigenous Cacataibo communities, where there still exist Cacataibo peoples living in voluntary isolation. With the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment of the 2D Seismic Project for Block 107, the “Petrolifera” company, which is headquartered in … Read More.
September 4, 2007 In an open letter to the European Commission’s Trade Commissioner Mandelson, CIEL and WWF Europe express their concern about the EC’s decision to appeal the WTO Panel report in the Brazil-Retreaded-Tyres dispute. The report, which addresses the legality of Brazil’s import ban on retreaded tyres for health and environmental reasons, has made … Read More.
On August 21, 2007 Canadian Prime Minister Harper, U.S. President Bush, and Mexican President Calderón held a Security and Prosperity Partnership summit in Montebello, Quebec. Their joint statement unveiled a new Regulatory Cooperation Framework and was accompanied by a two-page statement proposing “strengthened regulatory cooperation among our countries in the area of chemicals” with goals … Read More.
July 27, 2007 In a June 12, 2007 report, a WTO Panel, hearing a complaint by the European Communities (EC) against Brazil’s ban on the import of used and retreaded tyres, acknowledged the clear linkage between the import of retreaded tyres and the public health and enviromental risks associated with the increased tyre waste resulting … Read More.
For Immediate Release June 27, 2007 Statement by Center for International Environmental Law, Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, Environmental Investigation Agency, Friends of the Earth, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club The environmental provisions included in the final text of the Peru Free Trade Agreement mark a significant step forward, and we commend the Democratic leadership … Read More.
April 5, 2007 On April 4, 2007, four human rights organizations in Argentina, the Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS), the Asociación Civil por la Igualdad y la Justicia (ACIJ), Consumidores Libres, and the Unión de Usuarios y Consumidores, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) filed an amicus curiae brief in English … Read More.
March 2007 On March 5, 2007, CIEL Senior Attorney Donald Goldberg, Inuit leader and Nobel Prize nominee, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, and Earthjustice Managing Attorney Martin Wagner provided testimony before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The subject of their testimony was the impact of global warming on the Inuit and other vulnerable communities in the … Read More.
February 28, 2007 At 10:15am (2:15pm GMT) of March 1st, CIEL, the Indian Law Resource Center, and Oxfam America spoke on Human rights violations and responsibility of international financial institutions. The organizations presented written legal analysis presented to the IACHR, in addition to Oxfam America’s The Inter-American Development Bank, the Camisea Gas Project and Human … Read More.
February 24, 2007 On February 12, 2007, the ICSID Tribunal hearing the Suez/Vivendi case decided to allow a coalition of NGOs to submit an amicus curiae brief, despite objections by the claimant. The decision sets a landmark precedent by recognizing the public interest involved in this water-related investment arbitration, which will influence water concessions around … Read More.
February 5, 2007 On Feb 2, 2007, the arbitral tribunal in the Biwater v. Tanzania case pending at the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) granted CIEL and its partners the opportunity to file a written submission. The arbitral tribunal issued its decision two months after receiving the petition for amicus status in … Read More.
February 1, 2007 The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) is currently in the process of revising its signature Arbitration Rules. UNCITRAL’s Working Group on Arbitration will consider the first draft of the revised Rules at its meeting in New York from 5-9 February 2007. UNCITRAL arbitration rules, which are used around the … Read More.
December 2006 After eight years of debate, a provisional agreement between the European Parliament, Council, and Commission hammered out November 30 sets the stage for adoption of REACH, the world’s most significant legislation on chemicals. Under REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), companies that make or import chemicals in Europe will shoulder new obligations … Read More.
December 1, 2006 On November 27, 2006, three Tanzanian-based civil society organizations and two international ones have joined forces to request status as amicus curiae to an International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Tribunal hearing a case brought by Biwater PLC, a UK-based water company, against the Government of Tanzania. The five organizations … Read More.
October 11, 2006 On 27-28 September 2006 and 2-3 October 2006 two dispute settlement panels’ proceedings with the scientific experts and with the parties (the European Commission, the United States and Canada) were open to public observation via closed-circuit television broadcast. The three disputing parties in the two cases, (US – Continued suspension of obligations … Read More.
On August 29, 2006 A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied a petition by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) to review EPA’s 2004 rule implementing critical use exemptions for methyl bromide under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The Montreal Protocol, a global … Read More.
September 16, 2008 Please see the full text of CIEL’s statement. This week CIEL attended the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law’s (UNCITRAL) meetings in Vienna to revise UNCITRAL’s arbitration rules. CIEL’s goal is to improve the rules’ treatment of transparency, public participation and accountability in arbitrations involving a State as a party (“State … Read More.
Workshop organized by CIEL, ICTSD, and TRALAC October 6, 2006 Free trade agreements (FTAs) are mushrooming at the regional and bilateral level. According to the World Bank, (See “Global Economic Perspectives, Trade, Regionalism, and Development”, The World Bank, 2004.) the number of agreements in force now surpasses 250, and has increased six fold in just … Read More.
July 7, 2006 On July 3, 2006, CIEL and partner NGOs filed an amicus curiae brief in the Brazil-Retreaded Tyres case. The European Commission (EC) is currently challenging Brazil’s ban on the importation of retreaded tires at the World Trade Organization (WTO). The EC complains that Brazil’s ban is disguised protectionism that violates several GATT … Read More.
CIEL participates in the WIPO Development Agenda Discussions held in Geneva June 26-30, 2006 The WIPO Provisional Committee on Proposals Related to a WIPO Development Agenda (PCDA) held its second session in Geneva from June 26 to 30, 2006. The meeting provided WIPO member states with the opportunity to communicate their support for the … Read More.
June 22, 2006 On 20 June 2006, the Center for International Environmental Law submitted a request to the Dispute Panel of the World Trade Organization, asking it to consider a web-cast public hearing in the Brazil- Retreaded Tyres case. Previously, CIEL sent a letter to the European Commission, requesting that it make available to the … Read More.
June 7, 2006 On 7 June 2006, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the Berne Declaration co-organized a discussion on “FTAs and sustainable development: The example of EFTA and other upcoming challenges“, at the Maison des Associations, Geneva. The discussion aimed at addressing concerns raised in relation to ongoing bilateral trade negotiations in … Read More.
June 2006 On June 9, 2006, CIEL sent a letter to the European Commission, requesting that it make available to the public its initial written submission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Panel in the Brazil-Retreaded Tires case, as well as subsequent filings of the EC in this case. Brazil has already made … Read More.
Despite the serious failings of the 30-year old Toxic Substances Control Act and a chilly political climate, CIEL finds reason for optimism about overhauling federal law on dangerous chemicals. Cloudy Skies, Chance of Sun: A Forecast for U.S. Reform of Chemicals Policy, highlights bold political steps by state and local governments, business leaders, and a … Read More.
EC-Biotech Panel reportedly confirms most of the findings of its Interim Report May 24, 2006 The World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Panel issued its final ruling on May 10th in the European Communities – Measures affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products (EC-Biotech) case. Reports indicate that while the Panel’s final ruling maintains … Read More.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates 6 February 2006 On the occasion today of the decision by governments and stakeholders to adopt a Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) declares our expanded commitment to work for and achieve by the year 2020 a Toxics-Free Future, in which all chemicals are … Read More.
March 206 Nearly five years after signing the Stockholm POPs Convention, the United States is once again considering implementing legislation. CIEL has prepared a new analysis of the rival bills, and will testify on behalf of ten health and environmental organizations from across the country. Rival bills to implement the Stockholm POPs treaty will be … Read More.
March 16-22, 2006 The 4th World Water Forum Having its main theme entitled, “Local actions for a global challenge,” the WW4F focused on five framework themes: water for growth and development; implementing integrated water resources management (IWRM); water supply and sanitation for all; water management for food and the environment; and risk management. Over 200 … Read More.
March 31, 2006 On February 7, 2006, a Dispute Settlement Panel at the World Trade Organization (WTO) issued the interim report in the European Communities – Measures affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products (EC-Biotech) case. Interim reports in the WTO contain all of the elements of a final report, but are released only … Read More.
March 28, 2006 On 21-22 March 2006 the European Commission organized the EU TRADE Sustainability Impact Assessment (SIA) Stocktaking Conference. The two-day discussions focused to a great extent on the question of whether trade SIAs were, in fact, feeding into policy making. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and many other participants were of … Read More.
CIEL in Dubai for Global Chemical Meetings Capping a three year process, governments, international organizations, industries, environmental health advocates, and other civil society representatives are meeting at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) in Dubai, February 4-6, 2006. The goal is to adopt an international strategy for minimizing the harmful effects of chemicals on … Read More.
February 14, 2006 On February 7, 2006, a WTO Dispute Settlement Panel issued its interim report in the EC-Biotech case.1 While the report is not available to the public yet, CIEL has obtained the conclusions of the 1050-page report. This note is based on the EC-Biotech Panel’s conclusions. CIEL lawyers have not yet seen the … Read More.
January 2006 This book is a comprehensive guide to environment and trade jurisprudence, providing thorough coverage of WTO rulings and impacts. More specifically, the guide examines the significant impacts that international trade rules have on environmental law and policy at the domestic, regional and global levels, analyzing how environment-related questions have been treated under the … Read More.
December 7, 2005 MONTREAL — Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier, the elected Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC), today announced that a petition has been filed with the Washington, DC-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The petition seeks relief from violations of the human rights of Inuit resulting from global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions … Read More.
The Hong Kong Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization December 22, 2005 Environmental issues, addressed only tangentially at the Sixth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO), will be among the difficult topics left on the table for 2006. While some progress was made on disciplining fisheries subsidies, discussions and decisions over other … Read More.
October 2005 On 28 October 2005, CIEL Senior Attorney Glenn Wiser served as Facilitator for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) North American Regional Civil Society Consultation in Washington, DC. Sixty representatives of 41 organizations participated in this year’s Consultation, which was convened by the UNEP Regional Office of North America (RONA) and hosted by … Read More.
Update 23 November 2005: WTO Director General Pascal Lamy’s response to the letter 1 November 2005 Civil society groups today are sending the WTO Director General Pascal Lamy an open letter (available in English, French and Spanish) slamming the highly undemocratic and deceptive process used to manufacture the services section of the draft Ministerial Declaration … Read More.
Open Letter to Member States of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) October 25, 2005 On October 27, 2005, the Thirty-Ninth Ordinary Session of the Council for the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) will address the rules governing public participation and access to … Read More.
CIEL Joins Three Dozen NGOs on Congressional Letter Calling for Renewed U.S. Leadership on POPs September 7, 2005 A letter from 37 environmental health groups to Senate and House leaders calls on Congress to ensure that implementing legislation for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) restores U.S. leadership in this critical chemical safety … Read More.
September 20, 2005 This week, for the first time in the history of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its predecessor, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), panel proceedings in a dispute were open to the public. CIEL has long advocated this, and we congratulate the parties to the dispute, the panel, and … Read More.
July 2005 Despite US reticence, the outcome of the G8 Summit last week offers unprecedented clarity on the urgent need for action on global warming and a new basis for US commitment and action under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. President Bush signed on to the G8 statement “Climate Change, Clean Energy and … Read More.
June 1, 2005 On 19 May 2005, an ICSID tribunal for the first time has decided that it has the power to accept amicus curiae briefs from civil society organizations, even in the face of objections from parties. The ICSID tribunal’s decision came in response to a petition for transparency and public participation presented in … Read More.
6 May 2005, Punta del Este, Uruguay CIEL joins the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) in congratulating Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) for keeping the promise at the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties in Punta del Este, Uruguay. IPEN views the Stockholm Convention as a promise by … Read More.
For Immediate Release, 25 April 2005 (Washington, D.C.) Free-range chicken eggs in chemical “hot spots” around the world contain traces of highly toxic chemicals at alarming levels – many at levels that far exceed European Union (EU) proposed or existing limits, according to two new studies by the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN). The studies … Read More.
April 26, 2005 There is an urgent need for concrete steps to achieve mutual supportiveness between the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the World Trade Organisation Melendez Ortiz (ICTSD), the facilitators of a workshop on the linkages between the international trade and biodiversity regimes during this year’s annual WTO Public Symposium. Of particular urgency … Read More.
Fourth meeting of the Working Group of the Parties Geneva, 1-4 February 2005 A central pillar of the UNECE Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters adopted on 25th June 1998 (Aarhus Convention) is to provide for public participation in decision-making on environmental matters. However, decisions … Read More.
February 2005 Consumers and human rights organizations have petitioned an arbitral investment tribunal administered by the World Bank International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), requesting transparency and participation in the arbitration proceedings initiated by privatized public services companies against Argentina. On January 27, 2005, the Center for Legal and Social Studies (CELS), the … Read More.
February 4, 2005 An Experts Meeting on the WIPO Development Agenda and Treaty on Access to Knowledge (A2K) was held from February 3-4, 2005 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting was organized by the Consumer Project on Technology (CPTech), Third World Network (TWN), and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). The purpose of … Read More.
December 15, 2004, Buenos Aires, Argentina Ms. Sheila Watt-Cloutier, elected Chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC), announced tonight that the ICC will soon petition the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, seeking a declaration that emissions of greenhouse gases that are destroying the Inuit way of life are a violation of human rights. Ms. Watt-Cloutier made … Read More.
December 7, 2004 The Honorable Robert Zoellick United States Trade Representative 600 17th St. NW Washington, DC 20508 Dear Ambassador Zoellick: We are writing to express our views regarding the proposed appellate mechanism for the Investment Chapter of the Dominican Republic and Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). We believe that an inappropriately designed appellate … Read More.
November 2004 To The Editor It is not correct, as the Post claims (Kyoto Ratification, Nov. 6), that the Kyoto Protocol is a “mostly symbolic treaty.” The Protocol requires industrialized countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions about 5% below 1990 levels. Because “business as-usual” emissions are projected to rise an additional 15% or so … Read More.
October 2004 By Fiona Marshall, Fellow, Center for International Environmental Law A central pillar of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters (the Aarhus Convention) is to provide for public participation in decision-making on environmental matters. However, decisions on … Read More.
October 29, 2004 During the upcoming Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledgeand Folklore (IGC), which will take place in Geneva from November 1-5, 2004, CIEL and the Bern Declaration will host a side event focusing on ways the patent system may support the objectives and provisions of the Convention on Biolgoical … Read More.
September 2004 Advocates for Environmental Human Rights • Alaska Community Action on Toxics • American Rivers • Beyond Pesticides • The Breast Cancer Fund • Center for Environmental Health • Center For Health, Environment and Justice • Center for International Environmental Law • Circumpolar Conservation Union • Citizens’ Environmental Coalition • Clean Production Action • Clean Water Action … Read More.
September 2004 CIEL applauds Russia’s decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, thereby ensuring the Protocol will soon enter into force. Like many NGOs from all over the world, CIEL has worked very hard for this achievement. Sadly, this good news is tempered by the continued refusal of the United States government to participate in the … Read More.
CIEL offers one ad-honorem fellowship each year, the Louis B. Sohn Fellowship in Human Rights and Environment, for public interest lawyers that have had significant on the ground experience working on human rights issues. The LBS Fellowship will cover the cost of attending a strategic meeting on human rights and the environment. Past Louis B. … Read More.
September 27, 2004 The undersigned NGOs fully welcome and support the presentation of a proposal for the Establishment of a “Development Agenda” for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), introduced by Brazil and Argentina. It will be discussed at the WIPO General Assembly beginning on September 27, 2004. Over the last few years developing countries … Read More.
August 2004 In the upcoming months, the reservoir of the Ralco dam, one of a series of dams along the Upper BíoBío River in Southern Chile, will destroy the pristine mountain ecosystem and will permanently and irreversibly disrupt the semi-nomadic lifestyle and cosmovision of the Mapuche/Pehuenche people. At the same time, the communities affected by … Read More.
July 16, 2004 According to Inside EPA, Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-OH), chairman of the House energy committee’s Environment and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, said it would be “pretty hard” and not “feasible” for the subcommittee to vote at this time on his bill to implement the Persistent Organic Pollutants [POPs] treaty. Rep. Gillmor made his … Read More.
July 2004 On July 13, CIEL Senior Attorney Glenn Wiser testified before the House Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials on the Chair’s June 17 legislative proposal for amending the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to implement the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Mr. Wiser testified on behalf of CIEL plus several of our … Read More.
July 2004 Eight states – California, Connecticut, Iowa, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin – and the City of New York filed a claim today against five of the nation’s largest power companies. These companies account for about 10% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions, and the lawsuit seeks to compel the utilities … Read More.
June 29, 2004 The Tribunal (Methanex v. U.S.A.) c/o The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes MSN: MC 6-611 1818 H Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20433 Re: Methanex Corporation v. United States of America, Application of Amici for Leave to File a Post-Hearing Written Submission Dear Messrs. Veeder, Rowley and Reisman: Please find enclosed … Read More.
June 7, 2004 Contact: Marcos Orellana, Director, Human Rights & Environment Program, [email protected] WHO: Three-Member Arbitral Panel administered by ICSID (International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes) WHAT: Hearing in the case Methanex Corporation v. United States of America WHERE: Ground Floor of the MC Building of the World Bank (adjacent to the … Read More.
June 2, 2004 On the eve of the first hearing in a controversial World Trade Organization (WTO) case challenging European Union (EU) policies on genetically modified organisms (GMOs), a coalition of environmental, agriculture and consumer organizations submitted an amicus brief challenging the case against the EU. The amicus brief argues that WTO rules must give … Read More.
May 17, 2005 After years of effort by governments, indigenous organizations, and environment and health groups throughout the world, a milestone in international chemicals management was reached today when the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) entered into force. “This landmark treaty addresses an entire class of some of the most dangerous synthetic chemicals … Read More.
April 5, 2004 Subject: Analysis of Department of Justice Letter Regarding the Constitutionality of Mandatory Notice and Comment Provisions Proposed in Implementing Legislation for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Prepared by: Glenn Wiser, Senior Attorney, CIEL This memorandum critiques arguments contained in a letter dated March 25, 2004 from William Moschella, … Read More.
American Rivers * Center for International Environmental Law * Defenders of Wildlife * Environmental Defense * Environmental Working Group * Friends of the Earth * Greenpeace * League of Conservation Voters * National Environmental Trust * National Wildlife Federation * Natural Resources Defense Council * Oceana * The Ocean Conservancy * Pesticide Action Network North … Read More.
Memorandum April 5, 2004 Subject: Analysis of Department of Justice Letter Regarding the Constitutionality of Mandatory Notice and Comment Provisions Proposed in Implementing Legislation for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Prepared by: Glenn Wiser, Senior Attorney, CIEL This memorandum critiques arguments contained in a letter dated March 25, 2004 from … Read More.
May 11, 2004 The Environmental Law Institute has published an article by CIEL attorney Greg Foote, pointing out how the U.S. Clean Air Act can be used to limit CO2 emissions from new coal-fired power plants. The article, “Considering Alternatives: The Case for Limiting CO2 Emissions from New Power Plants Through New Source Review,” appeared … Read More.
April 6, 2004 We agree with some portions of the TEPAC Report and disagree with other portions. We also have additional views on some issues that are either not touched upon or referenced only briefly in the Report, but which we believe that Congress should consider. We are thus submitting these additional comments based on … Read More.
OCEANA * WORLD WILDLIFE FUND * BEYOND PESTICIDES * NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST * CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL LAW * PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY * 20/20 VISION * DEPARTMENT OF THE PLANET EARTH * PESTICIDE ACTION NETWORK NORTH AMERICA * DELTA INSTITUTE * ARIZONA TOXICS INFORMATION * SIERRA CLUB * ALASKA COMMUNITY ACTION ON TOXICS Re: … Read More.
March 10, 2004 Contact Info: Martin Wagner, Earthjustice 510-550-6714 Marcos Orellana, Center for International Environmental Law, 202-785-8700 Elisa Lynch, Bluewater Network 415-544-0790 x15 Adrienne Bloch, Communities for a Better Environment, 510-302-0430 x203 San Francisco, CA– A coalition of environmental groups presented arguments today to the NAFTA dispute resolution panel hearing a foreign corporation’s challenge to … Read More.
March 23, 2004 CIEL, in its role on the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC), helped shape TEPAC’s advice letters to Congress on the U.S.- Australia Free Trade Agreement and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). In a separate statement attached to the report, CIEL argues that the investment provisions of the agreements … Read More.
March 9, 2004 During 2003-2004, the U.S. government has engaged in revising its model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and recently produced a draft model BIT. The impact of this model BIT is amplified by the fact that often negotiations between the United States and other governments will conclude by adopting the model unchanged (or with … Read More.
February 1, 2004 The Conference of the Parties is the highest decision-making body of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which promotes the protection of biodiversity as a foundation for ecosystem and human health. To date the Conference of the Parties has held 6 ordinary meetings, and one extraordinary meeting to adopt the Biosafety Protocol. … Read More.
February 17, 2004 After years of effort by governments, indigenous organizations, and environment and health groups throughout the world, a milestone in international chemicals management was reached this week when France became the fiftieth country to ratify the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS). “This landmark treaty addresses an entire class of some of … Read More.
RE: Oppose the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) – Recently Released Text Falls Short on Environment February 17, 2004 Dear Member of Congress: On behalf of our millions of members, we are writing to express our opposition to the recently released text of the U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). The agreement would allow … Read More.