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Oilsands key, U.S. consul general says |
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Written by Carol Christian
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Thursday, 25 March 2010 20:39 |
Canada will continue to be an energy pillar for the U.S. even as it plans to transition to a less carbon-intensive economy, according to the U.S. consul general to Alberta, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.
Laura Lochman emphasized the importance of the energy trade between the two countries, saying the close relationship on energy requires an equally close partnership on the environment, "and that's precisely what we're working towards."
Lochman, who assumed the position in June 2009, said the Obama administration has been very vocal about its intent to build a less carbon-intensive economy.
"We are also equally vocal about the reality that even as we transition to this less intensive economy, fossil fuels will be a key part of the energy mix for several decades to come," she said.
"In that regard, Canada always has been and will continue to be a pillar of U.S. energy security. We rely on Canada for supply."
She calmed any fears of any current or proposed legislation that could pose a threat to the oilsands, saying "there is nothing that is either in existing U.S federal legislation or proposed legislation that is aimed at curbing the trade between Alberta and the United States."
And concern about additional oilsands tariffs once the U.S. introduces tougher environmental rules are unfounded, she said.
"There is nothing in it at the moment which would jeopardize trade," Lochman said. "Now, of course, U.S. federal legislation is a subject of continued ongoing debate within the Congress, and we're not there yet. We don't know what the final legislated product will look like…
"It's a global debate, obviously, how we transition to a less carbon-intensive economy, and certainly again my government is very intent on fostering that transition."
"Really, the best way to deal with this is through co-operation."
Changes in consumer habits are all part of that dialogue, she added, citing increasing purchases of fuel-efficient vehicles and increased use of mass transit.
"It will take action by all different sectors of society, consumers changing their habits and then industry and government working on their side."
When Lochman was first assigned to the consul general position in the fall of 2008, she admits at that point, her knowledge of the oilsands was "scant."
"As I knew that I was coming to Calgary," she said, "certainly I started trying to get up to speed and in Washington, through consultations and reading and then since I hit the ground here, it's been a large emphasis."
And to ensure she was versed in all sides of the oilsands debate, Lochman said there was a concerted effort to meet with as many people as possible. That includes industry and industry associations, community groups, non-government organizations and First Nation leaders.
"Before being assigned here, I could not have told you that Canada was our No. 1 supplier of not only oil and gas, but electricity and uranium as well," Lochman said. "One of my first real 'Ah-ha!' moments was when I arrived in Calgary and met with the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association ... and they showed me the map of the pipeline infrastructure and that was a definite 'Ah-ha!' moment. It really drove home that this is truly a North American system."
Though responsible for four jurisdictions, Lochman does acknowledge the oilsands is a key policy issue in her portfolio.
"The relationship between Western Canada — and this frankly was another 'Ah-ha!' moment sort of in a general sense — and the United States is so incredibly close historically and presently. It's just fascinating all the people who come up to me and tell me that they're dual nationals, or they studied in the States, or their sister lives in Phoenix.
"The number of ties there through education, visits, family, is phenomenal, and then the trade of course between at least Alberta and the U.S. … and so Alberta is a very important trading partner for us."
cchristian@fortmcmurraytoday.com
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