"This is EPA working with our sister government to really explore a perfect example of environmental priorities and economic priorities coming together," Jackson said Monday in a telephone interview from Rio.
The forum was prompted by the presidents of both countries.
In March, President Obama traveled to Brazil and met with President Dilma Rousseff. They agreed on a number of measures, including a decision to work together on the issue of sustainability for urban infrastructure - the physical guts of a city, everything from roads to water pipes.
"With the significant investments in sustainable urban growth that Rio is making in the next four years, it is essential that we go there to both learn and share our expertise," Jackson said in an EPA news release Monday. "We want to be part of activities that can create new jobs for American companies and foster cleaner, greener communities for the American people."
Jackson said Nutter was selected because he was a national leader in urban redevelopment and sustainability. He is the only elected official on the trip, and the EPA is picking up the tab.
"Everyone knows what's going on in Philadelphia," she said.
Nutter often says he wants to make Philadelphia the greenest city in the country. His 100-page Greenworks Philadelphia plan sets dozens of ambitious goals for the city, including reducing energy consumption, creating green space, and improving public transportation.
Nutter said the city has "a lot to learn from Rio," but can also offer its own lessons.
Noting Rio's "huge population" - 11.7 million - Nutter said, "How do you deal with managing your water supply? How do you serve such a large population?"
