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About the Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC):
As environmental issues continue to be at the forefront of the North American integration process, the U.S. Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC) provides a valuable avenue for the public input. Arising from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the GAC is charged with providing advice on a broad range of environmental and economic issues. The committee helps shape U.S. policies that improve the environment and health conditions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The GAC is composed of 12 members selected from state, local and tribal governments.
Origin:
The U.S. GAC was created in 1994 by executive order, as part of the United States Federal Implementation of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC). Article 18 of the NAAEC authorizes the U.S., Canada, and Mexico to each convene a national advisory committee. Since its inception, the committee has proven to be a valuable asset in the development of U.S. policies on trade and environment. The committee produces letters of advice and reports on a periodic basis.
On the web:
http://www.epa.gov/ofacmo/gac/