On May 18, the Trump Administration formally notified Congress of its intent to commence negotiations with Canada and Mexico with respect to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This notification triggers a 90-day period before negotiations with Canada and Mexico can begin (no earlier than August 16, 2017).
Per a May 23, 2017, Federal Register notice, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer requested public comments on matters relevant to the modernization of NAFTA in order to inform development of the U.S. negotiating position. Comments are due by June 12, 2017.
PESA’s International Trade Policy Subcommittee is developing comments for submittal to USTR. PESA Member Companies interested in more information or contributing to this process should contact PESA Sr. Director of Public Policy Jean Gould.
Members of Congressional leadership have already engaged Ambassador Lighthizer on the importance of NAFTA to the energy industry. Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) sent a letter to Ambassador Lighthizer on May 11. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) have also indicated plans to send a comparable letter.
