The fate of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation in the context of the NAFTA renegotiations

Amidst the controversial North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiations, the future of the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and the public accountability mechanism for the enforcement of environmental laws remains uncertain. Speculation abounds as to the environmental rights and obligations that will be tied to any renewed regional trade framework. This article briefly explores the environmental protection provisions and mechanisms under the NAFTA framework and their legacy. It also considers what may lie ahead.