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The Border Dialogue creates opportunities for U.S. and Mexican state and federal officials to work together on cross-border health, environmental, and natural resource issues of mutual concern. The Western Governors Association (WGA) has now supported seven Ten State Retreat meetings involving the environmental directors and secretaries for environmental protection of the U.S.-Mexico Border States. In spring 2005, the Ten State Retreat will convene in Saltillo, Coahuila.

The purpose of the retreats is to strengthen bi-national relationships by identifying priorities and implementing joint projects through cross-border cooperation. The role of the state and federal governments and bilateral / multilateral institutions is also clarified. Many official representatives from both countries, as well as distinguished speakers participate in these Ten Border State retreat discussions, usually on the second day of the retreat.

Recent topics for ten state actions include proposing the introduction of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel Fuel in border communities and into Mexico; the use of environmental education tools at schools along the border region, promoting the use of Environmental Management Systems with businesses along the U.S.-Mexico Border and providing updates on the implementation of the Border 2012 plan.

WGA sponsors ten state coordination efforts to facilitate joint environmental policy development in conjunction with the Border Governors' Conference and other border-wide environmental forums.

The WGA is able to provide assistance for the Ten States retreats through a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grant.