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