Ambassador Anthony Wayne and Secretary Jordy Herrera Discuss Clean Energy Cooperation

Ambassador Wayne and Secretary of Energy Jordy Herrera

Mexico City, October 25, 2011 – U.S. Ambassador Anthony Wayne today called on Secretary of Energy Jordy Herrera.  Ambassador Wayne emphasized U.S. interest in continued cooperation with Mexico on clean energy and climate change issues, and on the importance of concluding negotiations for a trans-boundary hydrocarbon agreement.

“Together the United States and Mexico are promoting the market for renewable energy,” Ambassador Wayne said.  “While Mexico is the United States’ 2^nd-largest foreign oil supplier, it is also a potential source of renewable energy for the United States, including from wind farms in the border region.”  Ambassador Wayne also noted Mexico’s prospects for developing its considerable shale gas reserves.

Ambassador Wayne thanked Secretary Herrera for Mexico’s support for climate change issues and energy conservation through international fora like the Clean Energy Ministerial, the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, and the U.S.-Mexico Framework on Clean Energy and Climate Change.  He also noted the importance of common standards for energy efficiency and vehicle fuels. Mexico’s “Transporte Limpio” program, the Ambassador noted, which improves energy efficiency and reduces heavy vehicle emissions, was established in part through cooperation between Mexico and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The Ambassador and the Secretary agreed on the importance of the negotiations on a trans-boundary hydrocarbon agreement to facilitate exploration and production of fields in the border region, noting that such an agreement was key to unlocking the area for commercial activity.