Trade, tariffs and industry

Executive Order 12905: Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee

President: Bill Clinton

Created a broadly representative committee to advise USTR on trade and environmental policy and report on negotiated agreements; the committee remains active.

Status: In effect. Is Executive Order 12905 still in effect? Yes. Executive Order 12905 remains in effect. See Federal Register record.

What does Executive Order 12905 do?

EO 12905 established the Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee in USTR with up to 35 members drawn from environmental, industry, agriculture, services, government and consumer interests. It gives policy advice and submits an advisory report at the conclusion of covered trade negotiations. Although the original charter had a two-year termination rule unless extended, presidential continuance orders and renewed charters kept TEPAC operating; USTR lists a 2026–2030 term.

Administration position: The committee gives stakeholders a formal advisory route. Its reports are advice, not binding trade or environmental determinations.
SignedMarch 25, 1994
Original membership cap35
Administrative officeU.S. Trade Representative

Before and after

Before the order

USTR’s advisory system lacked this dedicated trade-and-environment committee.

After the order

A representative committee could advise USTR and report on covered negotiated agreements.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
USTRAppoint members and administer the committeeUnder renewed charters
TEPACAdvise on trade and environmental policyAs requested
TEPACReport after covered trade negotiationsAt conclusion of negotiations

What happened next

EO 12905 established TEPAC.

EO 12974 continued the committee.