Representatives of The Energy Council visit the province

Mines and Energy Minister, Lloyd Matthews, is hosting members of United States Energy Council on July 11 and 12. The delegation from the Council includes: Chairman of The Energy Council, Representative Matt Smith of Colorado; Executive Director Lori Cameron; Chairman for the Center for Legislative Energy and Environmental Research (CLEER), the Council's research affiliate, Representative Warren Chisum of Texas; and Vice Chairman Representative John Smith of Louisiana.

The Energy Council is a legislative organization of ten energy-producing states ranging from the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean. The member states produce more than 80 per cent of United States oil and gas and include leading coal, uranium and renewable energy-producing states.

"The Energy Council is an influential organization in the United States. The elected legislators of the Council participate in the formation of energy policy at all government levels. Given that the United States is currently involved in implementing an energy policy to deal with its increasing energy demand within a North American energy supply context, I felt it was important for representatives to visit the province to view first hand our emerging petroleum industry," said Minister Matthews.

In June, Minister Matthews participated in the annual meeting of The Energy Council where the province made application to become an affiliate of the organization. "Currently, Venezuela and Alberta are the only two international affiliates whose roles as major energy producers in the Western Hemisphere complement that of the United States energy-producers. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador has applied to become the third international affiliate," said Minister Matthews. 

While in the province, the representatives will receive presentations from the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NOPB) and the Newfoundland Ocean Industries Association (NOIA). The delegation is also scheduled to visit the Hibernia platform if weather permits. 

Minister Matthews and visiting representatives of The Energy Council are available to speak to the media.

Media contact: Tara Laing, Communications, (709) 729-4890.

2001 07 11                                                   10:25 a.m.