U.S. & Canada Energy Consultative Mechanism Talks

Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
June 11, 2008

United States and Canada Hold Energy Consultative Mechanism Talks to Advance Cooperation on Energy

The annual Energy Consultative Mechanism talks between the United States and Canada concluded June 10 at the State Department. The meeting allowed for a wide ranging exchange of views to advance cooperation in energy and the environment.

Senior level officials attended from the U.S. Departments of State and Energy; the Office of the U.S. Federal Coordinator, Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects; the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Natural Resources Canada and Canada's National Energy Board.

The two countries discussed the world's largest bilateral energy trading relationship, with energy flowing between each country in both directions. They noted that Canada's energy reserves represent a secure, dependable, and long-term source for the North American market. Canada is the largest energy supplier to the U.S. of oil, natural gas, uranium and electricity.

The two governments discussed the need, on both sides of the border, to reduce the environmental footprint of producing and consuming energy.

The United States discussed the implementation of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which is phasing in across-the-board increases in energy efficiency standards, including an increase in corporate average fuel efficiency standards and sustainability standards for biofuels production.

The United States and Canada discussed ongoing efforts to develop natural gas reserves in Northern North America, and agreed to continue to coordinate closely on the permitting process for any potential cross-border natural gas pipelines.

The two governments agreed to stay in close contact to deepen coordination on economic and environmental aspects of the growing bilateral energy trade, and to establish a working group that will continue to focus on these issues.

2008/481
Released on June 11, 2008

ENDS

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