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The Monitor

RMA Environmental Committee enforces regulations
By Jennifer L. Solis
Many people are concerned with the environment and the Reynosa Maquiladora Association (RMA) is no exception.
"The RMA saw the need for an environmental committee so that companies could be aware of what environment rules and regulations companies needed to comply with," said John Castany, member of environmental committee.
This local sub-committee, which has 80-90 members, meets once a month.
"The main purpose of the committee is to inform general managers regarding the different environmental issues that arise," Castany said. "The second purpose is to serve as a liaison with government agencies of Mexico and the U.S."
When a maquiladora is set up, each plant signs a pledge to meet the environmental requirements. Every plant has an environmental engineer or someone who functions in that role.
The maquiladora industry is very clean because of the stringent rules and regulations the Mexican government imposes on foreign-owned companies.
"Once or twice a year, maquilas receive a surprise and very detailed inspection from PROFEPA (Procuraduria Federal de Proteccion al Medio Ambiente), the enforcement branch of the Mexican National Institute of Ecology.
The committee works closely with SEMARNAP (Secretaria de Medio Ambiente, Recursos Naturales Y Pesca). This branch of the Mexican National Institute of Ecology issues the regulations.
"This helps us because we have uniform criteria. They tell us what is needed," Castany said. "It is the focal point for maquila industry," he added.
The RMA Environmental Committee participates with the city of Reynosa in "Comite Ciudadano de Limpiesa" (Citizen Committee of Cleaning). By working with this committee, they analyze the handling of trash, the cleanliness and the reforestation of the city.
With the enforcement of the rules and regulations, the attitude of the companies is positive.
"We need to look at the environment in the long run, not only because of the rules and regulation, but because it in our best interest and we're convinced that is what we need to do," Castany said.