In the Spotlight
CEC Publishes Factual Record on the Effective Enforcement of Environmental Law Regarding the North Atlantic Right Whale Submission
Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), 6 January 2026—On 19 December 2025, the Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) published the factual record regarding submission SEM-21-003 (North Atlantic right whale) filed by Oceana (“Submitter”), who asserted that the United States is failing to effectively enforce its environmental laws to protect the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) from collisions with ships, known as “vessel strikes,” and from entanglement in commercial fishing gear.
Topics
Climate Change
Supporting emissions reduction and helping communities adapt to extreme weather events
Environmental Justice
The pursuit of environmental justice (EJ) aims to address historical inequities, marginalization and discrimination in how environmental benefits and burdens are enjoyed or suffered by certain communities.
Ecosystems
Working with communities to conserve and restore North America's terrestrial and marine ecosystems and priority species
Enforcement
Supporting enforcement and compliance with domestic environmental law and with multilateral environmental agreements
Sustainable Living and Economies
Advancing the sustainability of our economic activities and life choices by identifying and fostering alternatives that effectively integrate the environmental, social and economic dimensions for a just and resilient North America
Pollutants
Promoting clean air, water and land through prevention, reductions, and sound management of pollutant releases, toxic chemicals and hazardous waste
Youth Engagement
Over the years, the CEC has been committed to youth engagement and the efforts supported have provided youth with opportunities to raise awareness, provide tangible, sustainable, and innovative solutions for environmental issues in their communities, and influence CEC’s strategies, projects, and initiatives.
Indigenous Affairs
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) recognizes the essential role that Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in environmental stewardship across Turtle Island, Madre Tierra, also known as North America.
Private Sector Engagement
The private sector plays a critical role in driving economic prosperity, innovation and sustainable development.
Featured Project
Air Quality Improvement for Environmental Justice
2022 Active Pollutants
Featured Publication
Ranchers, Producers and Landowners Perspectives on Grassland Conservation Initiatives
A Summary of Survey Efforts in Canada, Mexico and the United States
October 24, 2022 26 pages Ecosystems
The Central Grasslands are among the largest remaining intact grasslands in North America, supporting both biodiversity and agricultural production. To ensure that the perspectives of ranchers, producers and landowners are included in conservation planning, surveys were conducted in Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2021 and 2022. This report summarizes and compares responses across the three countries, highlighting shared concerns and differences shaped by local contexts. Results emphasize that landowners view themselves as stewards of the grasslands and prefer flexible, incentive-based programs that acknowledge and reward good practices rather than apply one-size-fits-all approaches.
This report is intended for policymakers, researchers, conservation practitioners and producer organizations. It provides valuable insights into landowner engagement strategies, underscoring the importance of face-to-face communication, recognition of stewardship and social science-based approaches to design effective, locally relevant grassland conservation initiatives.
Work With Us
2026 Legal Internships
Internship Opportunities
Deadline: January 31, 2026 5:00pm
Stipend: C$3,500 (Canadian dollars).
What We Do
We conduct research, provide tools and training, and provide a unique space for decision-makers and the public to engage on environmental policy issues affecting the North American region.