1. NORTH AMERICAN CHEMICALS FORUM SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS May 16, 2012

2. Thanks! To organizers To participants

3. Irasema Coronado, Ph.D. U.S. Member of JPAC Past Member of Good Neighbor Environmental Board USEPA Political Scientist Cross- Border Cooperation Border Environmental Issues Environmental Justice

4. JPAC The Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) composed of fifteen citizens (five from each country) advises the Council on any matter within the scope of the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, and serves as a source of information for the CEC Secretariat.

5. JPAC's vision is to promote continental cooperation in ecosystem protection and sustainable economic development, and to ensure active public participation and transparency in the actions of the Commission. As a group of volunteer citizens, JPAC sees itself a microcosm of the public: independent individuals who contribute diverse but rich institutional experience and cultural perspectives

6. Concerns Regarding Chemicals Transporting (rail, highway) Handling Shipping Storing Disposing Accidents

7. Right to Know Contingency Plans Rapid Response Health Risks Exposure Harm to the environment Air, water, soil

8. Environmental NGOs on the Border Have lost momentum At the height of NAFTA Environmental NGOs on the border were important actors locally, nationally and internationally Not anymore Border Residents are concerned with economic issues, employment and security, environment is not high on their priority list

9. Environmental Issues Have lost saliency on the border Asarco Westway Colonia (irritants) Arcelor Mitel Border Steel (workers and community) Water Issues Elections in US and Mexico

10. Role of Governments To ensure safety of citizens vis a vis Chemicals People are trusting government to do the right thing One less thing that citizens have to worry about People are not aware of the different levels of government vis a vis their role in environmental protection

11. Be aware and sensitive to… Different languages Different socio-economic backgrounds Different literacy levels Oral Communication Radio Stations on the Border and Reservations Facebook, twitter Religious organizations Community Organizations Schools

12. Develop Youth Programs Summer Camps Schools Community Centers Native American Communities

13. JPAC Advice Letters Open to your suggestions and recommendations