Cablegate: Fy 2005 Evaluation: Dvc with Robert Dixon And

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

111312Z Mar 05

UNCLAS OTTAWA 000754

SIPDIS

STATE

STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA - CBARONE; IIP/T/ES - GCHRISTISON
WHA/PDA - JGREENBLATT
MONTREAL, TORONTO AND VANCOUVER FOR PAOS
CALGARY FOR PA FIELD REP
CALGARY PLEASE PASS WINNIPEG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OIIP CA
SUBJECT: FY 2005 EVALUATION: DVC with Robert Dixon and
Thomas Kerr on Alternate and Renewable Energy Policies and
Programs

TRACKER NUMBER: 223483

REFERENCE: OTTAWA 149

A. DATE, FISCAL YEAR AND QUARTER: March 3, 2005; FY 05;
Second Quarter

B. OBJECTIVE: Canada and the U.S. share one of the
closest energy relationships in the world, with Canada the
leading foreign supplier of energy to the United States.
Both countries agree on the need for research and policies
to lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, but many Canadians
are not fully aware of the extent to which the U.S.
government is engaged in alternative and renewable energy
initiatives. As a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol, Canada
has sometimes questioned why the United States did not sign
on, and doubts the U.S. commitment to reducing greenhouse
gases. This DVC program was intended to inform audiences in
government, NGO and industry circles about U.S. leadership
in the alternative and renewable energy fields.

C. MPP THEME: Economic security and prosperity;
Environmental protection

D. EVALUATION/IMPACT: Excellent. The DVC with Robert
Dixon and Thomas Kerr offered Canadian officials,
politicians, environmentalists and reporters a variety of
information about the renewable energy initiatives underway
in the US--from wind to hydrogen cell to biomass projects--
and the respective roles of federal government agencies,
state governments, utility companies, and voluntary private
business and citizen choices in moving the US towards
greater self-reliance and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Dr. Dixon's emphasis on market competitiveness, government
investment in research for new technologies, and the
importance of drawing local populations into the decision-
making on power generation and distribution options that
will affect their environment helped distinguish US
perspectives from those of countries which have opted for
administrative requirements or subsidies of renewable energy
sources which are not commercially competitive.

The program advanced the post's objective of making U.S.
energy and environmental policies better understood by
Canadians who are directly involved in policy and public
opinion as Canada weighs its own options in meeting its
Kyoto obligations. The powerpoint slides materials speakers
Dixon and Kerr provided and supplemental references the
Embassy's Econ Section compiled provided attendees resources
for further understanding U.S. alternative energy policy.
Post particularly appreciates Dr. Dixon's answering
additional questions by e-mail from a Member of Parliament
on the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee.

E. QUALITY OF U.S. SUPPORT AND IIP OFFICES INVOLVED:
Excellent. Post thanks Gretchen Christison for arranging
and moderating this conference.

CELLUCCI

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