Mexico’s Emissions Trading Committee Holds First Session

The Consultative Committee of the Emissions Trading System (COCOSCE) held its first ordinary session at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), marking its role as a permanent technical advisory body for emissions trading policy in Mexico.

José Luis Samaniego, Deputy Minister of Sustainable Development and Circular Economy, SEMARNAT, said the Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a strategic tool to advance the transition toward a low-carbon economy. During the session, the Technical Secretariat presented the 2024 annual activity report, the 2025 work program, and regulatory updates for Phase 1 of the ETS aimed at improving operations and transparency. 

Members agreed to coordinate efforts to publish regulations for the next phase of the ETS. They reaffirmed the joint commitment between the federal government, through SEMARNAT, and the private sector to implement the system’s activities. The meeting concluded with the reading of agreements and a call to maintain dialogue to advance Mexico’s climate action.

As a governance mechanism of the ETS, the committee supports industrial sector actions aligned with Mexico’s 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It also underscores the private sector’s role in ensuring the system contributes effectively to the country’s climate goals, while fostering competitiveness and technological innovation.

COCOSCE includes representatives from the ministries of Finance, Environment, Energy, and Economy, along with the National Institute of Ecology and Climate Change, the National Forestry Commission, the Confederation of Industrial Chambers, and the Business Coordinating Council.

Its membership also comprises representatives from participating industrial subsectors across the country, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. Participants in the first session included CFE, the Mexican Energy Association, PEMEX, the National Cement Chamber, the National Chamber of Iron and Steel Industry, the Mexican Banking Association, and UNAM.