FY 2005 EVALUATION: DVC with Robert Dixon and

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