Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07TALLINN134
2007-03-02 07:32:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tallinn
Cable title:  

EMBASSY TALLINN TO HOST OIL SPILL SPEAKER;

Tags:  PGOV PREL EN SENV ENRG EWWT EPET EUN 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHTL #0134 0610732
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 020732Z MAR 07
FM AMEMBASSY TALLINN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9584
INFO RUEHVL/AMEMBASSY VILNIUS 6610
RUEHRA/AMEMBASSY RIGA 2854
RUEHCP/AMEMBASSY COPENHAGEN 1589
RUEHHE/AMEMBASSY HELSINKI 5173
RUEHSM/AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM 2599
UNCLAS TALLINN 000134 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/PGI (IVAN WEINSTEIN)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL EN SENV ENRG EWWT EPET EUN
SUBJECT: EMBASSY TALLINN TO HOST OIL SPILL SPEAKER;
HOPES TO SUPPORT ESTONIAN TELEVISION SERIES ABOUT US
ENERGY SOLUTIONS

REF: STATE 14726

UNCLAS TALLINN 000134

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/PGI (IVAN WEINSTEIN)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL EN SENV ENRG EWWT EPET EUN
SUBJECT: EMBASSY TALLINN TO HOST OIL SPILL SPEAKER;
HOPES TO SUPPORT ESTONIAN TELEVISION SERIES ABOUT US
ENERGY SOLUTIONS

REF: STATE 14726


1. Summary. In response to reftel, post is
enthusiastic to report that our Public Affairs and
PolEcon Sections are planning to host Alaskan oil spill
cleanup expert John Devens, Ph.D., under IIP's U.S.
Speaker Program in May. Dr. Devens will meet with
Estonian government, industry, and private individuals
to share expertise, promote responsible oil shipping
practices, and to discuss effective oil spill disaster
planning. In addition, post hopes to partner with
Estonian Television to produce a series of reports on
United States energy solutions this fall.


2. As a major shipper of Russian oil, oil spills and
oil transport pollution are critical issues for Estonia.
Two major spills last spring in the Gulf of Finland
prompted a realization that Estonia must prepare a
detailed prevention and response plan. In response,
post invited Dr. Devens to Estonia under the U.S.
Speaker Program. Dr. Devens is the Executive Director
of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens'Advisory
Council (PWSRCAC) and was the mayor of the City of
Valdez at the time of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in

1989. The PWSRCAC works to reduce pollution from crude
oil transportation through Prince William Sound and the
Gulf of Alaska, monitors the Valdez terminal and tanker
operations, conducts independent research, and advises
industry and government on ways to prevent oil spills
and respond effectively if spills do occur. The PWSRCAC
also endeavors to increase public awareness of these
areas and various other aspects of oil pipeline
operations, including environmental protection
capabilities and actual and potential environmental
impacts of terminal and tanker operations. During his
visit to the region, Dr. Devens also plans to visit U.S.
Embassy Helsinki to participate in a similar program.


3. Clean water, environmental protection, and
sustainable energy development are important goals for
the United States. Dr. Devens' trip will provide an
opportunity to share U.S. expertise and insights with
the GOE, industry representatives, and private citizens.
Post is working to schedule a series of meetings,
lectures, and media coverage. We plan to involve the
new Ambassador in the program as appropriate.


4. In addition, post was recently contacted by the
Estonian Television environmental show "Osoon" (Ozone)
about an energy-related project. Osoon proposes to film
a series of short Estonian-language documentary programs
in the United States to highlight America's energy
solutions and technologies in comparison to those used
in Europe. Post is currently looking into ways to
support this project, which we hope will take place in
the fall.

GOLDSTEIN