Abstract
The NAFTA Environmental Side Accord provides for environmental disputes to be negotiated and litigated among the NAFTA partners (U.S., Canada, and Mexico). The process for dispute settlement is cumbersome and political, but cases are beginning to come forward and the system is being tested. The extent to which real environmental protection can be achieved via the means provided is questionable, but the public awareness raised through this process may prove significant enough to make a positive impact.