At the CPB Green Trade Summit July 11, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Commissioner Troy Miller discussed how Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans to contribute to the Green Trade Strategy. According to Mr. Miller, the CBP's strategy is designed to align with broader efforts by the Department of Homeland Security, and support a holistic approach to addressing the impacts of climate change on trade operations.
“NATO recognizes climate change as ‘a defining challenge of our time with a profound impact on our allies’ security.’ The business of trade is no exception. We cannot conduct cross-border trade in our facilities, infrastructure and our global supply chains will not withstand climate and environmental impacts. If we fail to prepare, the consequences could be devastating,”said Mr. Miller
The SOPDOC highlighted several initiatives that CBP has taken to reduce their carbon footprint. In FY 2022, CBP managed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 69.6 percent, nearly double their original target of a 38 percent reduction. Mr. Miller announced further initiatives to reduce emissions in facilities with significant annual energy consumption, as well as to transition their real estate portfolio to net-zero operations.
The plan includes upgrading facilities to be more energy-efficient, reducing fossil fuel reliance by transitioning to electric vehicles, digitizing compliance processes, and enhancing collaborations with various stakeholders.
The CBP is also making strides in developing sustainable infrastructure. with the San Ysidro Land Port of Entry in San Diego, the busiest border crossing in the Western Hemisphere, is the first General Services Administration (GSA) facility to achieve three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum certifications.
CBP is cooperating with interagency partners to prevent natural resource crimes, such as illegal deforestation and unregulated fishing. Miller cited an Interagency Task Force on Illegal Hydrofluorocarbon Trade with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in January 2022, CBP and EPA issued letters of denial, stopping illegal shipments to more than 889,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, which equates to emission from nearly 173,000 homes based on electric electricity usage for one year..
In addition to these initiatives, the CBP is working with global customs organizations like the World Customs Organization (WCO) to develop greater standards for global trade and encourage green customs practices worldwide.
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