EPA’s International Cooperation

11/23/2022

Offering thanks to our tribal and international partners for the progress we are making together to protect human health and the environment.

Happy from EPA's Office of International and Tribal Affairs.

11/10/2022

Lead paint is an avoidable source of exposure, and there are safe and cost-effective alternatives. EPA staff participated today in a G7 workshop on lead poisoning in Berlin, moderating a panel on lead in paint.

11/09/2022

Lead exposure is estimated to cause 900K deaths/year, with 800M children at risk of permanent harm.

Hodayah Finman, Deputy Director for EPA's Office of International Affairs, spoke virtually at a G7 workshop in Berlin about how the U.S. is addressing the challenge of lead poisoning.

11/08/2022

EPA staff are participating in the OECD Global Forum on the Environment on Mercury, in Paris, France -- speaking for the Global Mercury Partnership about challenges and options for proper management of mercury waste related to chlor-alkali production.

11/03/2022

EPA staff learned about agricultural water reuse in arid climates at the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

Concluding this water reuse study tour in Israel, EPA continues our international collaboration & our efforts to address water scarcity in the U.S. and around the world.

11/02/2022

Mark Kasman at Intel Semiconductor Plant in Israel

Private industry has a role to play in addressing water scarcity and driving progress on water reuse, as demonstrated at Intel’s semiconductor plant where they are piloting new technologies to reduce water consumption and treat wastewater.

11/01/2022

In Israel, wastewater is treated and used for agriculture to reduce the strain on freshwater resources. This approach can help promote water reuse in the U.S., where agriculture is a major use of water: irrigation accounts for 42% of total freshwater withdrawals.

- At Emek Hefer water reclamation plant in central Israel.

Photo credit: EPA Water

11/01/2022

Mark Kasman at the Sorek Desalinization Plant in Israel

Our Office Director for International Affairs, Mark Kasman, was at the Sorek Desalination Plant in Israel – which provides clean water for over 1.5 million people. The water is eventually reused for agricultural purposes, which helps communities meet future drinking water needs.

10/31/2022

Mark Kasman, Director for International Affairs, & Sharon Nappier from EPA Water, are representing EPA on a 5-day study tour with a 50-person U.S. private & public sector delegation to Israel to learn about water reuse from Israeli experts across the water management spectrum.

EPA experts visited the Sorek desalination plant, one of the world's largest desalination plants. It provides clean, potable water for over 1.5 million people and reuses it for agricultural purposes. Learning from others can help us address water shortages elsewhere.

10/27/2022

This post, featured today in EPA's Perspectives blog, describes our important international work to address children's lead poisoning and eliminate lead paint worldwide.

Join the action for International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week!

10/27/2022

EPA serves as Advisory Council Chair of the Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead Paint, continuing our successful work in the Partnership for Clean Fuels & Vehicles (PCFV) to phase out lead from gasoline with current efforts to eliminate lead paint worldwide.

Are you working to address lead paint in your country? Join the Lead in Paint Community of Practice, in which practitioners share knowledge and access to expertise. The next discussion (Nov 16) is on Compliance with Lead Paint Laws: https://saicmknowledge.org/event/online-discussion-compliance-lead-paint-laws

Learn more about EPA’s role in the Partnership for Clean Fuels and Vehicles: https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/promoting-cleaner-fuels-and-vehicles-worldwide

Learn more about EPA leadership in the Lead Paint Alliance: https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/epa-leadership-lead-paint-alliance

10/26/2022

Jane Nishida and Barbara Hendrie speak for International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Jane Nishida and Barbara Hendrie, Director of UN Environment Programme North America have teamed up this year to talk about our shared efforts to eliminate lead paint, Say No to Lead Poisoning, & protect children around the world!

10/26/2022

This International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, we are celebrating ongoing work to eliminate lead paint!

Almost 90 countries have already introduced lead paint laws, building on this Model Law: https://www.unenvironment.org/resources/publication/model-law-and-guidance-regulating-lead-paint

In a recent project the Global Environment Facility worked with more than 70 countries crafting laws that restrict lead paint. EPA has been active in developing tools and sharing case studies to help others replicate results, available at: www.saicmknowledge.org/program/lead-paint

While the United States banned lead in paint in the 1970s, less than half the world’s countries currently have established laws. Check out the World Health Organization (WHO) map of Legally Binding Controls on Lead Paint to see all countries with laws: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/indicator-groups/legally-binding-controls-on-lead-paint/

Paint without added lead is entirely possible. Across the globe many manufacturers, including small and medium sized enterprises, have already stopped adding lead. See these Lead Paint Reformulation Technical Guidelines from the UN Environment Programme to learn how! https://www.unep.org/resources/toolkits-manuals-and-guides/lead-paint-reformulation-technical-guidelines

10/25/2022

Today EPA staff participated in a webinar hosted by UN Environment Programme & the World Health Organization (WHO) for International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week W2022, with a focus on : lessons learned from lead in gasoline, used lead-acid batteries & efforts to eliminate lead paint. https://www.unep.org/events/webinar/webinar-advancing-work-lead-lessons-learned-work-lead-gasoline-lead-paint-and-used

10/25/2022

International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2022

DID YOU KNOW? Lead is one of the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern. No level of lead exposure is considered safe for children.

Many of the effects of lead on the nervous system last a lifetime and include aggression, irritability, difficulty learning, and reduced IQ.

We can work together to prevent harm to health. Learn the risks and how you can support International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week at

The focus of this year’s campaign “Say No to lead poisoning” reminds governments, civil society organizations, health partners, industry and others of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action.   The campaign builds on the success in outlawing the use of lead in petrol ...

10/24/2022

International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week 2022

This week is International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week! 2022 marks the 10th annual year of this collective global campaign.

EPA is working with the World Health Organization (WHO), UN Environment Programme and other partners to reduce exposure to lead and eliminate lead paint.

Join us in saying NO to Lead Poisoning around the world! Learn more about this campaign:

The focus of this year’s campaign “Say No to lead poisoning” reminds governments, civil society organizations, health partners, industry and others of the unacceptable risks of lead exposure and the need for action.   The campaign builds on the success in outlawing the use of lead in petrol ...

09/29/2022

For International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste, we’re proud to highlight efforts helping the U.S. meet our national goal and U.N. Sustainable Development Goal to reduce food loss & waste by 50% by 2030. We continue to work with our partners to address international food loss and waste.

We’re completing a project with UN Environment Programme to reduce food loss and waste in Latin America, w/ multistakeholder programs, partnerships, & knowledge sharing between U.S. and Latin American cities, and public education in Bogota, Colombia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

EPA also participated in a G20 workshop to discuss the importance of measuring food loss and waste to support sustainable food systems worldwide and drive action-oriented policies, hosted by the Indonesia Presidency. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqfzvZIxXxI

09/29/2022

Reducing food waste saves $$. It can also mitigate the effects of climate change, increase food security, & conserve energy and resources. In 2019, more than 1/3 of U.S. food supply was wasted in farms, restaurants & at home - a total loss of more than $408 billion!

Did you know wasted food also wastes energy and produces methane and CO2 emissions. Reducing food waste can help the United States meet its climate commitments!

Want to learn more about how to take action to reduce food waste on this International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste? At , we recommend using a shopping list, planning meals ahead of time, storing foods properly, and eating leftovers. Great tips at https://www.epa.gov/recycle/preventing-wasted-food-home

09/21/2022

📢The Commission for Environmental Cooperation Grant Program is now open for applications!

🌎 US$2 million available in total grants
🌎 Individual grants up to C$200k

2022 theme: Integrating community-led environmental education in support of ⚖️ and Resilience.

Initiated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, this trinational grant program is designed to fund projects that aid underserved and marginalized groups within Canada, Mexico, and the United Sates. 🇨🇦🇲🇽🇺🇸

Proposals are due Friday 11 November 2022 – don’t delay!

Learn more:
👉 http://www.cec.org/media/media-releases/us2m-ej4climate-grant-program-calls-for-new-project-proposals/

09/07/2022

Today is International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies! EPA's Assistant Administrator for International & Tribal Affairs, Jane Nishida spoke about how we are working with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and UN Environment Programme to reduce air pollution in North America and globally.

“Improving air pollution is one of the most impactful and cost-effective actions to achieve social, economic, and environmental development goals and also combat climate change... Making historic investments to protect clean air, confront climate change and advance environmental justice... [The Inflation Reduction Act] will change the lives of millions of people impacted by the climate crisis." - Jane Nishida

07/13/2022

29th Regular Session of the CEC Council and Meeting of the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC)

29th Regular Session of the CEC Council and Meeting of the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC)

The environment ministers of Canada, Mexico and the United States will convene at the 29th annual CEC Council Session in Mérida.

07/07/2022

Davenport was selected by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation as one of three North American cities to reduce litter in their waterways. Working with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Region 7 (IA, KS, MO, NE), the Iowa city will install trash capture devices in local creeks as part of a larger trilateral project to reduce land-based sources of marine litter.

Davenport is excited to announce it is one of three cities in North America selected to participate in a Marine Litter Pilot Project. The project kicks off with the installation of a trash capture device in Duck Creek at 6 p.m., Thursday, July 7, during the Party in the Park event at Marquette Park. The event, featuring many other fun and exciting activities, will be a great opportunity for individuals and families to learn more about the community’s role in litter reduction and prevention for the health of our local, regional, and global waterways. As part of the pilot project to reduce land-based sources of marine litter, trash capture devices are being installed on Duck, Goose, and Silver Creeks. Find out more at www.davenportiowa.com/litter.

07/06/2022

Advancing environmental justice and equity is one of EPA’s international priorities. Recently, Deputy Assistant Administrator for International Affairs Rafael DeLeon met with Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to discuss future collaboration and .

06/08/2022

Jane Nishida, EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs, met with Council members from Ktunaxa Nation, along with U.S. Department of State and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to reaffirm support for the International Joint Commission to address transboundary pollution in the Kootenai River from mining. Officials listened to Tribal priorities and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships.

Read the press release:
https://www.state.gov/support-for-international-joint-commission-recommendations-to-address-transboundary-pollution-from-mining/

06/08/2022

Jane Nishida, EPA Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs, met with Council members from Ktunaxa Nation, along with U.S. Department of State and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to reaffirm support for the International Joint Commission to address transboundary pollution in the Kootenai River from mining. Officials listened to Tribal priorities and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening Nation-to-Nation relationships.

Read the press release:
https://www.state.gov/support-for-international-joint-commission-recommendations-to-address-transboundary-pollution-from-mining/

06/02/2022

More than 2 billion people today lack access to safely managed drinking water, & nearly half the world’s population lacks access to safely managed sanitation services.

Proud to be part of the Action Plan on Global Water Security launched by Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday!

https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/06/01/fact-sheet-vice-president-harris-announces-action-plan-on-global-water-security-and-highlights-the-administrations-work-to-build-drought-resilience/

06/02/2022

EPA's Assistant Administrator for International and Tribal Affairs Jane Nishida participated alongside EPA Administrator Michael Regan in last week's G7 Ministerial Meeting, which resulted in this Climate, Energy, & Environment Communique: https://www.bmwk.de/Redaktion/DE/Downloads/G/g7-konferenz-klima-energie-umweltminister-05-2022-abschlusskommunique.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=14

On page 16 ministers express strong commitment to reduce disproportionate lead exposure in vulnerable communities, minimize lead pollution & exposure globally and strengthen cooperation with existing initiatives. A G7 workshop, co-hosted by US & EU, is planned for fall 2022!

05/18/2022

Join us tomorrow at 8AM ET for World Future Council's Online Conference “Healthy Planet, Healthy Children: Success Factors For A Future Without Toxics.” EPA staff will be presenting on a panel about international lead paint efforts! Learn more & register at: https://mailchi.mp/worldfuturecouncil.org/online-conference-children-and-chemicals-660295

05/13/2022

TODAY, May 13 at 1:00PM EDT: Join us at the National Coordinators Meeting with the Representatives from the United States and Mexico! Info and registration: https://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder/borderwide-calendar

[Spanish follows]

Hoy, el 13 de mayo a la 1 pm EDT: ¡Únase a nosotros en la Reunión de Coordinadores Nacionales de con los Representantes de los Estados Unidos y México! Para información y registrarse: https://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder/borderwide-calendar

05/09/2022

Join us on May 13 from 1:00-4:30PM EDT, for the first National Coordinators Meeting marking the Program launch between the United States and Mexico as well as a discussion on addressing through community engagement in the U.S.-Mexico border region. Simultaneous interpretation in English and Spanish available.

More: https://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder/borderwide-calendar.

[Spanish follows]

Únase a nosotros el 13 de mayo de 1:00-4:30PM EDT, para la primera reunión de coordinadores nacionales de que marca el lanzamiento del programa entre los Estados Unidos y México, así como una discusión sobre cómo abordar la a través de la participación comunitaria en la región fronteriza entre Estados Unidos y México. Interpretación simultánea en inglés y español disponible.

Más: https://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder/borderwide-calendar

05/06/2022

On May 13 at 1:00-4:30PM, national coordinators from the United States and Mexico will meet to discuss the goals and objectives of the program.

Register and mark your calendar to join the discussion!

https://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder

{Spanish version follows]

El 13 de mayo de 1:00-4:30PM EDT, coordinadores nacionales de Estados Unidos y México se reunirán para discutir las metas y objetivos del programa .

¡Regístrate y marca tu calendario para unirte a la discusión!
https://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder

04/13/2022

Megacities Partners in Ghana, Ethiopia, Chile, and Peru have taken steps to reduce air pollution. Learn more about their progress and explore our ever-expanding set of resources at www.epa.gov/megacities-partnership.

04/13/2022

The Megacities Partnership is a collaboration with local governments to achieve air quality management goals. Free templates to provide structure and guidance for local governments are available in English, Spanish, and Russian. French is coming soon! www.epa.gov/megacities-partnership

04/13/2022

Air pollution is a global issue. Through the Megacities Partnership, EPA has recently completed a series of 4 air quality management videos to guide air organizations and policymakers around the world in improving air quality. Watch at: https://www.epa.gov/air-quality-management-process/megacities-partnership#videos

03/17/2022

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Water Quality Policy Work Group Public Meeting / Sesión Pública del Grupo de Trabajo de Políticas de Calidad del Agua. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

Please also join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and SEMARNAT for today’s public meeting on Water Quality, U.S.-Mexico Goal 2, from 3 -5:00 pm EDT. We will review the program's objectives and provide time for public input. Register to participate: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEudOCvrzsiGNBcwzm5a1LxzJPUKog5TwWi
[Spanish follows]

Igualmente únase EPA y SEMARNAT para la reunión pública de la Meta 2 sobre calidad de agua, , de 3-5pm EDT. Se discutirán prioridades y habrá sección de comentarios del público. Regístrese: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEudOCvrzsiGNBcwzm5a1LxzJPUKog5TwWi

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Water Quality Policy Work Group Public Meeting / Sesión Pública del Grupo de Trabajo de Políticas de Calidad del Agua. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

03/17/2022

Meeting Registration - Zoom

Virtual public meeting today on Goal 1 Air Quality of the U.S.-Mexico border , 1-2:30 pm EDT. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will discuss priorities and provide time for questions and answers. Register to participate:
https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdOquqDwrHdPyHvpFznPdRkiLUwECcoo
[Spanish follows]

Únase hoy a la Reunión de la Meta 1 calidad de aire del Programa , 1-2:30 pm EDT. EPA Se discutirán prioridades y habrá sección de preguntas y comentarios del público. Regístrese:https://usepa.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJIsdOquqDwrHdPyHvpFznPdRkiLUwECcoo

03/16/2022

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Emergency Preparedness & Response Policy Work Group Public Meeting / Sesión Pública del Grupo de Trabajo de Políticas de Preparación y Respuesta a Emergencias. After registering, you will receive a...

Please join today’s public meeting for Goal 4: Emergency Preparedness and Response on the U.S.-Mexico , 2 - 4 pm EDT, hosted by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, SEMARNAT, and Protección Civil. We will discuss priorities and provide time for Q&A. Register to participate: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcOmoqjsjHtOGbsRygzRE4oCYsDo6rKYc
[Spanish follows]

Únase hoy a la reunión pública de la Meta 4 de emergencias , 2-4 pm EDT, organizado por EPA, SEMARNAT y Proteccion Civil. Discutiremos prioridades, preguntas y respuestas al público. Regístrese: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZctcOmoqjsjHtOGbsRygzRE4oCYsDo6rKYc

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Emergency Preparedness & Response Policy Work Group Public Meeting / Sesión Pública del Grupo de Trabajo de Políticas de Preparación y Respuesta a Emergencias. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.