Page:North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation - 1993.pdf/9

 Article 10: Council Functions

1. The Council shall be the governing body of the Commission and shall:
 * (a) serve as a forum for the discussion of environmental matters within the scope of this Agreement;
 * (b) oversee the implementation and develop recommendations on the further elaboration of this Agreement and, to this end, the Council shall, within four years after the date of entry into force of this Agreement, review its operation and effectiveness in the light of experience;
 * (c) oversee the Secretariat;
 * (d) address questions and differences that may arise between the Parties regarding the interpretation or application of this Agreement;
 * (e) approve the annual program and budget of the Commission; and
 * (f) promote and facilitate cooperation between the Parties with respect to environmental matters.

2. The Council may consider, and develop recommendations regarding:
 * (a) comparability of techniques and methodologies for data gathering and analysis, data management and electronic data communications on matters covered by this Agreement;
 * (b) pollution prevention techniques and strategies;
 * (c) approaches and common indicators for reporting on the state of the environment;
 * (d) the use of economic instruments for the pursuit of domestic and internationally agreed environmental objectives;
 * (e) scientific research and technology development in respect of environmental matters;
 * (f) promotion of public awareness regarding the environment;
 * (g) transboundary and border environmental issues, such as the long-range transport of air and marine pollutants;
 * (h) exotic species that may be harmful;