Minister welcomes Energy Council to Newfoundland and Labrador

Mines and Energy Minister Lloyd Matthews today welcomed members of the Energy Council to the province who are participating in the 2002 Northeastern Energy Forum being held in St. John�s from August 24-27.

The Energy Council is a legislative organization of ten energy-producing states ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. These member states produce more than 80 per cent of United States (U.S.) oil and gas output and include leading coal, uranium, and renewable energy-producing states. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the province of Alberta and the nation of Venezuela are the Energy Council�s three international affiliates.

Minister Matthews said that this conference will provide the province with a better understanding of the principle market needs of potential energy customers in the U.S. "Many of the sessions that will take place during this forum will examine the potential energy needs of our neighbours in the northeastern U.S. We, as an energy-producing province, know that we have an abundance of potential energy resource. The challenge for Newfoundland and Labrador is to ensure that we deliver our energy to the end consumer in a manner that is efficient and reliable, and provides substantial benefits to our citizens.

"This conference will provide us with an opportunity to participate in discussions with our U.S. counterparts that will directly address the infrastructure and transportation issues that face our province. It is through these discussions that we hope to learn more about the expectations of our potential customers, and learn from the experiences of other council members before making important decisions in the future."

Over 80 participants are registered to participate in this forum, including members of the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, provincial and federal governments, and industry.

"I am pleased that the Energy Council has chosen Newfoundland and Labrador as the site for this conference. I am certain that they will learn much from this visit, and gain a unique understanding of our province�s energy potential," said Minister Matthews. "Government has already participated in several conferences that have provided valuable insight on current energy policies and have permitted the province to capitalize on opportunities for marketing our resources to new prospective markets. We expect that this conference will provide similar opportunities."

Newfoundland and Labrador became a member of the Energy Council in December 2001. Government is committed to actively pursuing all opportunities to encourage and promote new investment in this province�s energy resource base.

Media contact: Darrell Mercer, Communications, (709) 729-5777.

2002 08 22                                10:00 a.m.