[CTC] Trade advisory committee resignation

[Arthur Stamoulis]

Professor William J. Snape, with the Center for Biological Diversity, resigns from the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee with the admonition that global warming is NOT A HOAX…


The Honorable Robert E. Lighthizer
United States Trade Representative 
600 17th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20508
                                                                                                September 20, 2017
Dear Ambassador Lighthizer and Relevant Agency Staff:
                Never, or rarely ever, have I had such a difficult time making a decision as I have over the past several months regarding my membership on the United States Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC), on which I have proudly served since 2005.  As a registered Independent, having served under both Presidents Bush and Obama, and after much consideration, I hereby resign my appointment to TEPAC.  
                On the one hand, when utilized properly, TEPAC serves an enormously useful role in advising USTR officials on the many technical aspects of trade rules, practices and implementation as they relate to ongoing negotiations directed by the President.
                The other hand, unfortunately, is that I don’t believe in this President or his policies.  
                As it is, without the Paris Climate Agreement, without the Clean Power Plan, and without any degree of understanding or sensitivity to global warming (particularly as it relates to international trade), the President is taking our country in exactly the wrong direction.
                However, please know that I remain devoted to the goal of sustainable trade and development, and believe our great country possesses the capacity to be a true global leader in advancing policies and practices that lead to a better world.
                Our ultimate responsibility as citizens is to country and what is just for civil society, not to arbitrary and irrational government agency directives.
                Additionally, I want to thank the civil servants at USTR with whom I have worked over the past decade.  I expect I will continue to work with these dedicated officials, and perhaps you, in my role as private citizen and lawyer.  
                EXciting for me now is the opportunity to advocate, unshackled from security clearance limitations, for trade and climate/energy policies I truly believe are beneficial for the United States and the rest of the planet.  My hope for you and the agency is that you will find a way to do the right thing.  
                                                                                Respectfully,
                                                                                /s/
                                                                                William J. Snape 



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