EISA REPORTING - US EMBASSY OSLO

UNCLAS OSLO 000089

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

EEB/ESC/IEC (BGGRIFFIN)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG SENV APER ABUD NO
SUBJECT: EISA REPORTING - US EMBASSY OSLO

REF: STATE 10743


1. (U) Per reftel, Post provides the following information
in accordance with the Energy Independence and Security Act
of 2007 (EISA).


2. (U) The Political/Economic Section, with 7 staff
members, handles energy matters.


3. (U) The following employees support energy matters in
the section (including percentage of time dedicated on such
topics): 1 economic officer (20 percent),1 OMS (5 percent),
1 pol/econ counselor (10 percent),1 deputy pol/econ
counselor (10 percent),1 LES (position currently vacant, 30
percent).


4. (U) The following is a description of the position,
related energy work, and particular qualifications of the
officer primarily covering energy issues:

--Economic Officer. The officer leads section efforts on
economic and finance issues, and serves as the primary point
of contact for oil, gas, and energy-related matters. In
addition to monitoring local energy industry trends and
governmental policies and initiatives, the economic officer
promotes U.S. economic interests concerning the Norwegian oil
and energy sectors, working closely with mission elements,
including Foreign Commercial Services. As appropriate, the
officer attends professional seminars and workshops
concerning energy issues, in addition to presenting at public
speaking engagements. The current economic officer, presently
pursuing a doctorate in commercial law (involving a gas/oil
industry case study),possesses extensive experience in
commercial law, including hydroelectric project finance.


5. (U) In 2007, the estimated funds spent by Post
concerning energy-related activities were 57,000 USD
(personnel costs, based on percentage time dedicated to
covering energy matters) and 10,000 USD (programs, including
related outreach).
JOHNSON