Washington Energy Report
April 24, 2009
On April 16, 2009, President Barack Obama and President Felipe Calderon announced that the U.S. and Mexico would strengthen cooperation to achieve a low carbon future and promote clean energy resources by establishing the U.S.-Mexico Bilateral Framework on Clean Energy and Climate Change (“Framework”). Both Presidents agreed that the two nations need to work together to obtain the common goal of addressing global warming.
The Framework will create a mechanism for political and technical cooperation, information exchanges, and strengthening infrastructure along the U.S.-Mexico border. The primary focus of the Framework will be on: renewable energy, energy efficiency, adaptation, market mechanisms, forestry and land use, green jobs, low-carbon energy technology development, and capacity building. In addition, the Framework will promote cooperation on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the border region, energy trade, and strengthening the reliability of electricity systems on both sides of the border.
During the coming weeks officials from the U.S. and Mexico will be working on the Framework’s specific details. However, it is clear that both countries will be stressing the need to encourage investment in climate friendly technologies. Furthermore, both Presidents agreed that the United States and Mexico should work together to develop clean energy technologies in order to better compete in the global marketplace.
The White House also announced its support for Mexico to host the Sixteenth United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 16) in 2010. Mexico will be hosting a meeting of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and Climate later this year.
Troutman Sanders’ attorneys and professionals are leaders in providing business and legal advice to companies and enterprises conducting business with and in Mexico. For more information please contact: Jason Czyz, jason.czyz@troutmansanders.com, 202-274-2866; or Jeff Cohen, jeff.cohen@troutmansanders.com, 202-274-2906.
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