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“APPOINTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES TO INDUSTRY SECTOR ADVISORY COMMITTEES” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Senate section on pages S220 on Feb. 1, 2000.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
APPOINTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES TO INDUSTRY SECTOR
ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise today to express my deep disappointment at the administration's decision to appeal the Federal District Court decision that requires the appointment of environmental representatives to the advisory committees, the ISACs, that advise the Commerce Department and USTR on trade policy with respect to forest products.
At the recent WTO meeting in Seattle, President Clinton reminded all of us of the importance of making the trade policy process more open and transparent. I share the view that incorporating environmental and labor concerns into our trade policy is a necessary element in ensuring confidence in the global trading system. The need for openness and transparency is not only for international negotiations and dispute resolution, but also for the establishment of trade policy here at home. Indeed, the Clinton administration has been the principal advocate of this.
It is, therefore, surprising and disappointing that the administration seems reluctant to bring more openness and transparency into its own trade policy advisory committees. Specifically, in the case of the administration's proposals to reduce or eliminate tariffs on forest products (a goal that I share), environmental groups have raised legitimate issues about the impact on conservation. This should be part of our domestic debate.
I understand that enhancing the role of environmental and other groups in this advisory process raises some concerns at USTR and the Commerce Department. We don't want to make the process inefficient, and we must continue to protect confidential information. But, to my mind, we can increase openness and transparency without compromising efficiency or confidentiality.
I call on the administration to reconsider its policy and take the necessary measures to incorporate fully those who are trying to express legitimate environmental concerns.
Finally, let me be clear. If the decision by the Western District of Washington is overturned on appeal, I will introduce legislation mandating the appointment of representatives of the environmental community to these two advisory committees.
At this critical time when concerns over globalization threaten the consensus for expanding global trade, we must increase public confidence in government. That means more openness and transparency, not less.
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