EPA's Role in International Environment, Trade, and Finance
Both domestically and globally, protecting human health and the environment is essential to sustainable economic growth and development. EPA supports these goals by:
- working with domestic and international partners,
- providing technical analysis and capacity building assistance through knowledge-sharing and best practices, and
- supporting the dissemination and use of environment-friendly technologies and environmentally-supportive investments and financial instruments.
At the national level, EPA works with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on environmental issues related to trade policy, and with the U.S. Department of the Treasury on the potential environmental impacts of proposed multilateral development bank investments.
Internationally, EPA provides policy advice and technical expertise on trade and finance issues related to the environment through a wide range of international organizations including the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, multilateral development banks such as the World Bank and the United Nations.
Trade
Global trade presents economic and policy opportunities and challenges. EPA works with domestic and international partners to address policy challenges, reduce the environmental impacts, and maximize the benefits of trade.
Learn More about EPA's Role in International Trade.
- EPA Role in the Trade Agreement Process
- U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement
- Trade, Transportation, & Environment
Finance
Finance and investment have an important role to play in improving environmental protection at the international level. To support and strengthen this role, EPA works to:
- Shape environmental criteria for finance and investment decisions,
- Share effective financial mechanisms and approaches with other countries,
- Foster investment in environmental infrastructure, and
- Support rules that incorporate sound environmental stewardship in multilateral development banks and other international finance institutions.
Learn more about EPA's Role in International Finance.
Export Promotion
EPA is utilizing our expertise to protect the environment and support economic growth by promoting the export of U.S. environmental solutions.
Learn more about Export Promotion at EPA.
Critical Minerals and Materials
As the world transitions towards net zero, the rapid shift to clean energy technologies is expected to drive a significant increase in demand for critical minerals and materials. While the impact of mineral extraction will never be zero, EPA is working to promote development of critical mineral and material mining, processing, and recycling facilities in ways that protect the environment, promote good governance, create good jobs, and provide economic benefits to local workers and communities.
Learn more about EPA’s Critical Mineral and Materials Work.
Background on EPA's work on Environment, Trade and Finance
Check out the pages below to learn more about the historical background and processes that direct EPA's work on the environment, trade and finance:
- Historical Background on Environment, Trade and Investment: provides historical background on efforts in the post-World War II era to promote and manage global economic development.
- U.S. Trade and Investment Policy Making Process: provides current information about the agencies and steps involved in developing and implementing trade and investment agreements.
- Environmental Reviews of Trade and Investment Agreements: provides information on the process by which reviews are conducted, drafted and completed.
Contacts
For additional information on EPA's trade programs, contact:
Brianna Besch
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of International and Tribal Affairs (2660R)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20460
202-564-6600
E-mail: besch.brianna@epa.gov