D.C. Nine environmental groups from the United States, Canada and Mexico submitted a complaint today alleging that the U.S. government deliberately allows logging companies to flout U.S. laws that prohibit the killing of migratory birds in direct violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and international treaties that the United States has signed with Canada and Mexico. The CEC has played an important role in improving enforcement of environmental law and promoting environmental cooperation through research programs and plans for conservation and pollution reduction.
Migratory birds are an important part of the biological diversity of natural forests.
They also have significant economic value. Some migratory species benefit agriculture by eating destructive insects. Yet, tens of thousands or more migratory birds are killed by logging every year, according to the complaint. The United States' failure to enforce its own laws is particularly disturbing given that the Administration is currently promoting an agreement among WTO members to eliminate tariffs on forest products. Environmentalists object to the deal, arguing that expanded trade and trade rules could increase the pressure to overharvest timber in countries with weak forest protection laws.