1. To gain public trust, the US government should convene a national dialogue to define a precautionary approach for resolving trade and environment disputes. A national definition should recognize governments' right to protect health and the environment even when, as is the case with many environmental pollutants, less than full information is available, and especially when postponing decisions in order to obtain more information could expose people and ecosystems to potential harm. The US should commit to apply this approach to its activities in the WTO, including dispute settlement, and urge others to do so as well.2. The precautionary principle as defined in the [Rio Principles] should be recognized by WTO Member governments as a principle of customary international law, and given effect in the day-to-day work of the WTO.
3. Trade agreements should encourage a precautionary approach to the adoption of environmental policies which would allow countries to address serious threats of environmental harm in advance of conclusive scientific proof concerning that harm, and which can be adapted as new scientific information becomes available.