WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today released the following statement in honor of Earth Day:
“Our rapidly-changing climate is a global challenge that requires immediate, ambitious actions that directly address this crisis while protecting communities around the world.
“Since day one of the Biden-Harris Administration, we have taken a whole-of-government approach to protect the environment and restore American leadership abroad in tackling global environmental challenges, including climate change.
“Trade policy is an essential tool to fight the climate crisis and preserve our natural resources. This means close collaboration with our trading partners to ensure that we promote sustainable environmental practices and facilitate partnerships that allow economies to sustainably prosper, while protecting our natural environment and the ecosystems on which our economies depend.
“From promoting sustainable forest management through our bilateral Timber Working Group with Vietnam to being among the first WTO Members to accept the World Trade Organization Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, the United States is leading the way in implementing innovative trade-related solutions to defend our shared environment and natural resources, and those whose livelihoods depend on them, from harmful and unsustainable practices.
“A healthy environment is vital for a vibrant economy. This Earth Day, we recommit our collective resolve to pursue trade policies that safeguard our planet and our people.”
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