Statement by Vice President Al Gore on Executive Order, November 16, 1999

 

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release November 16, 1999

STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT AL GORE

For my entire career, I have believed very deeply that a strong economy and a clean environment go hand-in-hand. These past seven years, our administration has proven it: our economy is booming, with nearly 20 million new jobs. And our air and water are cleaner and healthier than they have been in decades.

I also believe that a strong economy and a clean environment go hand-in-hand around the world. And America can and should use its trade policy to strengthen environmental protection both at home and abroad.

That's why President Clinton and I have worked to promote high environmental standards around the world -- from our overseas lending and development initiatives, to our work with the World Bank and other international organizations.

Now, as we prepare for a new round of trade talks here in Seattle, we want to go even further.

Today, President Clinton is signing an executive order which will help us do more to protect the environment in future trade negotiations.

The new executive order will require serious environmental reviews of all major trade agreements -- with input from the public and from outside experts. We can then use that information to shape emerging trade agreements -- to better protect our own environment, and the global environment as well.

In addition, we are today outlining our broader strategy for ensuring that in the upcoming WTO talks, we promote high environmental standards as we open markets abroad. Some of our objectives include: ending subsidies that promote over-fishing of our seas, giving the public a stronger voice in trade matters, and eliminating barriers to cutting-edge technologies that promise a cleaner environment and a higher standard of living for millions around the world.

Without a safe, clean, and healthy environment, everything else we leave our children is meaningless. That's why this step is so important. It will help us expand trade and create high-paying jobs while we safeguard this precious earth. I can't think of a better legacy for our children and grandchildren.

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WTO Ministerial Conference 1999

New ILO Convention Forms of Child Labor

Helping Poor Countries Gain Access to Affordable Medicines

Calls for Efforts in Benefits of Expanded Trade

Support for Enhanced Market Access

Agenda for Seattle WTO

Expanded Opportunities through Agriculture Trade

The Clinton Administration Agenda for the WTO

Summary of U.S.- China Bilateral Agreement

Trade and Ensuring a Healthy Environment

U.S. - China Bilateral WTO Agreement

Dialogue on Jobs and Trade

Harley-Davidson: A Success Story

National Dialogue on Jobs and Trade Day Events

Gene and Barshefsky Press Briefing

Press Briefing by Joe Lockhart

Briefing by Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky and Gene Sperling

Press Briefing of ILO Convention

ILO Convention Press Release

Remarks on Roundtable with Harley-Davidson Employees

Interview with Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Seattle Farmers, Students, and Officials

Speech to Farmers

Ministers attending the WTO Meetings

Signing of ILO Convention on Child Labor

Executive Order

Worldwide Environmental Protection


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