United States and Canada today marked the 20th anniversary of
the U.S. - Canada Air Quality Agreement, an agreement that has
significantly reduced acid rain and smog. Through this
agreement, the United States and Canada have made great strides
to reduce harmful air pollution. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and Environment Canada have implemented this
bilateral agreement in coordination with relevant agencies and
ministries on behalf of the U.S. and Canadian governments. The
U.S.-Canada Air Quality Agreement provides an example of
successful bilateral cooperation that has achieved tangible
progress in improving the environment. Initiatives in both
countries have contributed to particulate matter emission
reductions of 34 percent in both countries. Particulate matter
has been linked to respiratory illnesses such as chronic
bronchitis and asthma, to cardiac illness, and to premature
death. Over the last 20 years, emissions causing acid rain have
been cut in half and emissions causing smog have been cut