U.S. Signs Int'l Agreement on Clean Emissions Technologies; U.S. Hosts Forum for Carbon Sequestration Research, Development

6/25/2003

From: Jill Vieth, 202-586-4940 or Drew Malcomb, 202-586-5806; both of the U.S. Department of Energy

WASHINGTON, June 25 -- U.S. Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham along with Energy Ministers and their representatives from around the globe today signed the first international charter in support of the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF). The charter sets the framework for international cooperation in research and development for the separation, capture, transportation and storage of carbon as a means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

"Because sequestration may ultimately prove to be an essential element in limiting global carbon emissions, we must have a global effort devoted to marshalling the talents and resources from around the world," Secretary Abraham said. "Every nation here today -- including both energy producing and energy consuming nations -- must ensure that our energy future is capable of meeting the demands presented by growing economies, expanding populations, vital energy security issues and environmental requirements. The research and development, as well as the discussions that will be held by Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum, will go a long way to satisfying those needs and do so in an integrated, multilateral fashion. Our shared goal is to ensure that every member nation can reap the benefits of our efforts."

The global partners for this historic event include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the European Commission. CSLF members are given rights to participate in building the world's first emissions-free power plant, also known as FutureGen.

Secretary Abraham called for the creation of the Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum in February 2003 in coordination with the U.S. Department of State. Under Secretary of State Paula Dobriansky joined him for the three-day forum and for today's signing ceremony.

Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing carbon dioxide emissions, that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, and permanently storing them in geologic formations including oil and gas reservoirs, un-mineable coal seams and deep saline reservoirs. Carbon sequestration can also be achieved terrestrially in forests, crop and agricultural lands, and in wetlands. Additionally, naturally occurring reservoirs of carbon dioxide can be found in geologic formations throughout the United States and the world.

The Carbon Sequestration Initiative furthers two goals from President George W. Bush's National Energy Policy -- protecting America's environment and strengthening global alliances. Carbon sequestration is a rapidly advancing area of study that has been singled out by President Bush as one of the most promising approaches for reducing the emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

"I believe that President Bush's leadership in this and other energy initiatives will strengthen global economic growth, expand trade and investment, and ensure our generation lives up to its environmental responsibilities. We must leave our children with a strong notion of energy security and an environment that is as clean as we can make it," said Secretary Abraham.