Negotiations between representatives of the U.S. and E.U. over what could create the largest free ?trade zone have incurred criticism from various labor and environmental groups. By coordinating regulations and improving the efficiency of trade agencies, state officials hope to spur economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic. However, voices from the AFL-CIO have expressed concern that the negotiations will yield looser labor and safety regulations; while environmentalist groups worry that an agreement could increase reliance on fracking.
See "U.S.-E.U. trade talks open amid new criticism from labor, environmental groups", Howard Schneider, The Washington Post, July 8, 2013