Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Hazardous Waste
Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America
As Delivered by Jessica Brzeski
Human Rights Council – 51st Session
Thank you, Mr. President.
And thank you, Special Rapporteur, for your report.
The United States strongly supports environmentally sound management of waste, including hazardous waste, and, when needed, its transboundary movement. When this does not happen, it can negatively affect individuals’ full enjoyment of their human rights.
Internationally, we have worked to help countries improve their approach to waste management, including with the infrastructure to reduce and prevent the leakage of such waste into the environment.
Domestically, we are working to promote circular approaches to reducing the generation of waste, including hazardous waste, and to clean sites contaminated with hazardous waste through the Superfund program.
We are also expanding our work on environmental justice. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced up to $100 million available for new Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Centers, which will provide technical assistance, training, and related support to communities and organizations with environmental justice concerns.
Question: What guidelines should states follow to ensure stakeholder concerns are taken into account before implementing projects with environmental impact?
I thank you.
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