A new energy future in the Americas

The heads of state and government present at the summit unanimously agreed to move forward in the creation of this partnership, and since then we have been working diligently to shape it.

{mosads}For the Americas, active U.S. participation on this issue is paramount and willingness for dialogue and negotiation are equally important. President Obama’s recent announcement to approve new oil and gas exploration along U.S coastlines may serve as an example of this much-needed dialogue, as it demonstrates his determination to secure a bipartisan agreement on the challenges of energy and climate. Explaining the decision, President Obama noted his willingness to compromise on his position against offshore drilling as long as it is a part of a more overarching strategy to lower energy costs.

For this, the administration should be commended, as this new multifaceted policy could fit within the overall framework for clean and alternative energy development throughout the hemisphere. Still, more needs to be done.

In support of the hemispheric vision described in Trinidad and Tobago, the Organization of American States is committed to working toward a new energy future for the Americas. This week, Energy Ministers of the Americas will meet at OAS headquarters in Washington to follow up on this new innovative partnership to further build the environment necessary to enhance the use of clean energy, meet our climate goals, and advance the energy security of the Western Hemisphere.

Renewable energy can provide key environmental and economic benefits, and its immense potential is well distributed throughout many nations. A strong commitment to renewable energy development from OAS member states can protect our environment and public health by avoiding or reducing emissions that contribute to smog, acid rain and global warming; and by reducing water consumption, thermal pollution, waste, noise, and adverse land use, it can increase economic development and create new competition. This, in turn, can help restrain fossil fuel price increases and create greater energy independence, especially for many of the smaller countries in the region that rely heavily on imports, which often come with strings attached.

The OAS has long promoted these policies among its member states. The Organization fosters the exchange of information among public and private stakeholders, and proactively seeks to strengthen regional markets for renewable energy. We have been working in partnership with governments, national institutions, international organizations and civil societies to meet the region’s needs without compromising the energy security of future generations.

The focus on facilitating cooperation among nations with similar challenges and sharing experiences to find solutions can help others avoid pitfalls in adopting new policies and new technologies. For example, the OAS is one of the three institutions that the U.S. Department of Energy selected under the Low-Carbon Communities of the Americas — a program launched in June 2009 to assist countries with sustainable-energy transformation initiatives.

The OAS was selected to support small island nations of the Eastern Caribbean in an effort to transform energy supplies to renewable and efficient solutions as alternatives to high-cost imported fossil fuels.

This is just one of many initiatives being undertaken to transform our region’s reality from one based on rapidly aging paradigms. The Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas, launched last year at the Summit of the Americas, represents a real opportunity for a greater, more concrete multilateral approach. The meeting being held at the OAS this week should serve as the next opportunity to bring real proposals to the table. Nations need to introduce plans and policies that will promote a new model for energy production and use that include technology transfer, energy efficiency systems, and plans for renewable energy development. Once that happens, the hemisphere will have really begun its march toward a new energy future.

Insulza is secretary general of the Organization of American States.