A Fair Trade Bill of Rights Economic globalization ties the world together as never before. But it also poses serious new threats to our health and the environment. Trade agreements promote international commerce by limiting governments' ability to act in the public interest. In our global economy, corporations move operations freely around the world, escaping tough pollution control laws, labor standards, and even the taxes that pay for social and environmental needs.
Global trade is now a fact of life.
But we can insist on trade policies that support, rather than undermine, environmental and labor standards. I. Do Not Undermine Environmental Standards. Trade rules should not be used to weaken national or international health and environmental standards. Encourage Environmental Progress. Trade rules should encourage environmental progress and discourage harmful environmental impacts.