Today's Energy Headlines (Scroll To Full Text And Yesterday's News)
* Recent FERC Actions
* ACC: "Natural Gas Crisis Threatens Nation's Economy"
* FERC Approves Duke Energy's Texas Eastern M-1
* Michigan's "Full Compliance" with Air Standards

RECENT FERC ACTIONS

February 26, 2003: Initial decision dismisses PacificorpÕs complaints in one of a series of cases in which the Commission must decide whether to order the abrogation or modification of contracts for the purchase of electricity made during the so-called California Energy Crisis of the years 2000-2001.

February 26, 2003: Commission asks El Paso Corp. about planned sale of natural gas assets to Chesapeake Energy and other transactions

February 24, 2003: FERC Extends Deadline to March 3, 2003 for filing information on alleged manipulation in Western Power Market Read More

NATURAL GAS CRISIS THREATENS NATION'S ECONOMY -- AMERICAN CHEMISTRY COUNCIL ISSUES CALL TO ACTION

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Chemistry Council (ACC), representing America's largest industrial users of natural gas, called on the Administration and Congress to take immediate steps to avert a looming natural-gas crisis. In letters released to the public today, the ACC dramatically described the impact of the energy emergency.

This week, the spot price of natural gas spiked to more than $19.00 mm BTU. While the drastic price hike subsequently lessened, it is still the highest it has ever been, and supplies in storage are at an all-time low. The effects of the continuing shock will be felt throughout the economy, and could result in the loss of thousands of jobs unless immediate action is taken. Every major recession in modern American history has been preceded by a dramatic increase in fuel prices, and immediate action is needed to prevent a potential recurrence.

The letter describes how some U.S. chemical production already has been taken offline as it is now too expensive to operate. It is clear that U.S. jobs and communities already are at risk.

"Americans will pay the price. They will feel the effect of skyrocketing natural gas prices in the form of more expensive food, spiraling home heating bills and higher prices for many pharmaceuticals and consumer goods," warned ACC President Greg Lebedev in the letter. "Worse yet, the natural gas crisis threatens the livelihood of thousands of workers who rely directly or indirectly on the business of chemistry."

ACC calls on the Administration and Congress to open new areas to responsible exploration and production, to enable timely increases in imports of natural gas to ensure adequate supply delivery to customers, and to support efforts to streamline gas pipeline construction. "Congress must move quickly to enact energy legislation that will rapidly expand domestic gas production and incentivize conservation in all sectors."

The letter states that a weakened chemical sector could imperil U.S. security. "The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has recognized the U.S. chemical industry as critical in providing the products that make our military, police and emergency responders the strongest and best equipped in the world," added Lebedev. "We must protect domestic production of chemical fuel for our fighter jets; bullet-proof helmets and clothing; plastic bio- hazard and fire-protection suits; polycarbonate safety masks; electronic surveillance and communication equipment and composites found on all types of guns, tanks and aircraft."

"North America has enough natural gas reserves to meet our needs," said Lebedev. "But recent legislative, regulatory and market trends have placed greater demands on our natural gas supply without providing for economically efficient and environmentally safe measures to increase production."

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care*, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $463 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is the nation's largest exporter, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies invest more in research and development than any other business sector. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

The following is a letter sent by Greg Lebedev, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Chemistry Council to United States Senators:

America is facing a sudden, unprecedented and crippling energy crisis... in natural gas supply. I am writing to ask your help in remedying the situation that will have devastating consequences for the chemical industry, for the U.S. economy and for all Americans. The spot price of natural gas went through the roof this week, rising to more than $19.00 mm BTU. This price is the highest it has ever been, and supplies in storage are at an all-time low.

This price increase will have serious ramifications for the chemical industry, America's second largest manufacturing sector, which employs one million people and creates an additional 5.2 million jobs throughout the economy. This situation is so grave that some chemical production has already been taken offline as it is now too expensive to operate. So U.S. jobs and communities already are at risk.

As America's largest industrial user of natural gas, the chemical industry converts billions of dollars of natural gas into hundreds of billions of dollars of materials used to produce the items that we need and use everyday -- medicines, food, clothing, to name just a few. But, Americans will pay the price. As natural gas prices increase, the costs of almost all other goods will rise accordingly.

This other energy crisis could not have come at a worse time. As we fight terrorism and face a potential war, America will rely on its strong chemical infrastructure, recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as critical in providing the products that make our military, police and emergency responders the strongest and best equipped in the world. We must protect domestic production of chemical fuel for our fighter jets; bullet- proof helmets and clothing; plastic bio-hazard and fire-protection suits; polycarbonate safety masks; electronic surveillance and communication equipment and composites found on all types of guns, tanks and aircraft.

Every recession since World War II has been preceded by a run-up in energy prices. Consequently, the American Chemistry Council is asking Congress to act to head off another potential recession by:

* Rejecting prohibitions on responsible new natural gas exploration and production.

* Opening new, promising areas to exploration and production, including Alaska, the Rocky Mountain region and the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.

* Enabling timely increases in the amount of natural gas imported to the U.S. via pipelines, particularly from Canada, and in the form of liquefied natural gas.

* Ensuring that ample supplies of natural gas can be delivered to customers.

* Recognizing that fundamental changes in the energy industry are limiting the ability to capitalize and finance high-risk infrastructure projects to deliver natural gas and ensuring that federal policies do not exacerbate this capital liquidity problem.

* Supporting federal efforts to streamline natural gas pipeline construction to enable gas to enter the mid-continent and Northeastern markets.

* Encouraging the expanded use of highly efficient combined heat and power (CHP) generation systems.

* Advancing development of electric power production from clean coal technologies to take advantage of our nation's natural energy resources.

North America has enough natural gas reserves to meet our needs. But recent legislative, regulatory and market trends have placed greater demands on our natural gas supply without providing for economically efficient and environmentally safe measures to increase production.

We need your support. Congress must move quickly to enact energy legislation that will rapidly expand domestic gas production and incentivize conservation in all sectors to ensure the stability of this industrial engine, which is critical to our day-to-day living, our war-fighting capabilities, and the health of the national economy.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Mark Nelson, ACC's Energy Team Leader, at 703-741-5900. SOURCE American Chemistry Council.

FERC APPROVES DUKE ENERGY GAS TRANSMISSION'S TEXAS EASTERN M-1 EXPANSION PROJECT

HOUSTON, Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has approved a Duke Energy Gas Transmission (DEGT) expansion project that will bring additional reliability and flexibility to natural gas customers along the company's Texas Eastern Transmission, LP pipeline system in the Southeast.

Through the development -- known as the M-1 Expansion Project -- Texas Eastern will construct new facilities and modify existing facilities to increase the system capacity in its East Louisiana (ELA) and Market Zone 1 areas by 197,147 dekatherms of gas per day (Dth/d).

The project consists of modifying four compressor station facilities in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, and looping about 32 miles along Texas Eastern's existing main line near St. Francisville, La., and in Mississippi from south of Union Church to north of Clinton.

A phased-in construction schedule will begin in July with segments to be completed this November, April 2004 and November 2004 to coincide with expansion shippers' specific gas requirements. "About 40 percent of the capacity on the M-1 Expansion Project will fuel electric generation facilities and local distribution companies that will ultimately be served by our East Tennessee Natural Gas (ETNG) system," said DEGT President Tom O'Connor. "The M-1 Expansion Project clearly establishes another synergy between the Texas Eastern and East Tennessee systems that we sought when we purchased ETNG three years ago."

Duke Energy Gas Transmission is a North American leader in developing energy infrastructure and connecting major natural gas supply basins to growing markets. The company's natural gas operations include more than 18,900 miles of interstate transmission pipeline and 250 billion cubic feet of storage capacity in Canada and the United States. More information on DEGT can be found at http://www.degt.duke-energy.com.

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK) is a diversified multinational energy company with an integrated network of energy assets and expertise. The company manages a dynamic portfolio of natural gas and electric supply, delivery and trading businesses -- meeting the energy needs of customers throughout North America and in key markets around the world. Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: http://www.duke-energy.com. CONTACT: Gretchen Krueger of Duke Energy, +1-713-627-4072, or 24-Hour, +1-704-382-8333 SOURCE Duke Energy Web Site: http://www.duke-energy.com

MICHIGAN LARGEST INDUSTRIAL STATE IN FULL COMPLIANCE WITH AIR STANDARDS; CONSUMERS ENERGY SPENDING $700 MILLION ON CLEAN AIR

JACKSON, Mich., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Michigan is the largest industrial state in full compliance with all major federal air quality standards, an achievement reached in part by significant investment by Consumers Energy and other companies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the state's attainment with all the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, part of the federal Clean Air Act.

"We all treasure Michigan's unique environment. At Consumers Energy, we recognize the special role we have as one of the state's primary power providers and our obligation to generate electricity in an environmentally responsible manner. Our latest round of emission reduction investment shows that," said Robert A. Fenech, the utility's senior vice president of nuclear, hydro and fossil operations.

Beginning in 1999, Consumers Energy started investing more than $700 million at its major coal-fired power plants to comply with new nitrogen oxide standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When completed, ozone season nitrogen oxide emissions from Consumers Energy's coal plants will be cut 85 percent from 1990 levels. In the 1980s and 1990s, the Company spent more than $70 million on emission reduction work, primarily for nitrogen oxides.

The utility is reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxides and other compounds at its major coal plants near Bay City, Erie, Muskegon and Port Sheldon with:

* Increased use of western U.S. coal, which naturally produces less nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and other compounds when burned;
* Installation of special burners in boilers which reduce nitrogen oxides;
* Installing advanced computer systems to fine-tune the combustion process throughout the boilers;
* Adding Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) technology to four generating units to remove nitrogen oxides from the exhaust. The first SCR is being installed at the Company's D.E. Karn Units 1 and 2 plant near Bay City and, following operational experience there, additional SCRs will be installed at other Company plants.

Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, is Michigan's largest utility providing natural gas and electricity to more than six million of the state's nearly 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.

For more information about Consumers Energy, visit our Website at http://www.consumersenergy.com SOURCE Consumers Energy Web Site: http://www.consumersenergy.com

Today's Energy Headlines (Scroll To Full Text And Yesterday's News)
* Duke Announces Nat. Gas Pipeline Projects for Northeast
* Winergy LLC Seeks Fixed Tower Permit Off Nantucket
* UNEP to Push Crackdown on Mercury Pollution
* DuPont, CEC Meet in Mexico on Renewable Energy
* GAO Will Not Appeal Cheney Task Force Case
* DOE Names New Head of Climate Change Technology Program

DUKE ENERGY GAS TRANSMISSION: NEW NATURAL GAS PIPELINE PROJECTS PROPOSED TO MEET GROWING DEMAND IN MID-ATLANTIC AND NORTHEAST

BOSTON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Duke Energy Gas Transmission (DEGT) affiliates have filed two separate natural gas pipeline projects with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to increase the reliability and efficiency of natural gas supplies in the growing mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States.

The projects -- known as HubLine Phase II and the Dominion Expansion -- also will help in the development of more flexible and economical energy transportation systems in each market, said Tom O'Connor, president of DEGT. "DEGT is continuing its efforts to respond to the increasing demand for natural gas in these two high-growth areas -- fuel that is especially critical during extended cold weather periods," O'Connor said. "These two projects will be significant additions to the country's energy infrastructure that will help meet the anticipated increase in natural gas for decades to come."

On Feb. 5, the company's Algonquin Gas Transmission unit asked FERC to amend the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity originally granted for the HubLine project in 2001 to facilitate development of a project that will transport eastern Canadian natural gas from the Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline to an interconnection point on the Algonquin system in Everett, Mass.

The new project -- HubLine Phase II -- consists of about seven miles of pipeline, called the Everett Extension, originating from Algonquin's previously approved Deer Island Lateral in Boston to the interconnection with Algonquin, three meter stations and associated facilities along the pipeline route. HubLine Phase II will provide an additional supply source to the heart of the greater Boston market and increase the reliability of natural gas infrastructure in eastern Massachusetts.

Algonquin has asked FERC to extend the construction deadline for the Deer Island Lateral in order for the lateral to be built concurrently with the Everett Extension project. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2004 with a projected in-service date in summer 2005. More information is available at http://www.everettextension.com.

The Dominion Expansion Project, filed with FERC in late January by Duke Energy's Texas Eastern Transmission, LP affiliate, consists of about 35 miles of new 36-inch diameter pipeline to be constructed within the Texas Eastern right of way adjacent to the existing pipeline. About 35 miles of an abandoned 24-inch diameter pipeline in western Pennsylvania would be removed to accommodate the larger diameter line.

Included in the project is an upgrade of some facilities at the Uniontown compressor station in Fayette County, as well as construction of the new pipeline in Greene, Fayette, Somerset, Fulton and Franklin counties. When completed, the project will transport natural gas to Dominion Transmission Inc. for delivery to markets in the mid-Atlantic region. The project is expected to be in service in November 2004. For more information, visit http://www.degt-dominionexpansion.com.

Duke Energy Gas Transmission is a North American leader in developing energy infrastructure and connecting major natural gas supply basins to growing markets. The company's natural gas operations include more than 18,900 miles of interstate transmission pipeline and 250 billion cubic feet of storage capacity in Canada and the United States. More information on DEGT can be found at http://www.degt.duke-energy.com.

Duke Energy is a diversified multinational energy company with an integrated network of energy assets and expertise. The company manages a dynamic portfolio of natural gas and electric supply, delivery and trading businesses -- meeting the energy needs of customers throughout North America and in key markets around the world. Duke Energy, headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is a Fortune 500 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available on the Internet at: http://www.duke-energy.com. CONTACT: John Sheridan of Duke Energy, +1-671-560-1444, or 24-hour, +1-704-382-8333 SOURCE Duke Energy Web Site: http://www.duke-energy.com

WINERGY LLC SEEKS FIXED TOWER PERMIT TO MEASURE WIND, OCEAN DATA AT SITE SOUTHEAST OF NANTUCKET

CONCORD, Mass. -- Winergy LLC, of Shirley, N.Y., is seeking a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit to install, operate and maintain a fixed tower and associated oceanographic instrumentation in ocean waters about seven nautical miles southeast of Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts to collect meteorological and scientific data.

The single 6.56-foot diameter monopile will support a 30-foot by 30-foot platform and a monopile extending 169.85 feet above mean lower low water (mllw) in waters about 11 feet deep. Riprap scour protection will be placed as needed to protect the base of the pole. The purpose of the structure is to collect wind, wave and other scientific data to evaluate the location's suitability for wind power generators.

Public comments on the proposed project will be accepted by the Army Corps of Engineers through March 3, 2003.

"Any proposal for installation of wind power generators will be evaluated separately with further opportunity for public involvement," said Larry Rosenberg, Chief of Public Affairs for the Army Corps of Engineers in New England. "The decision on this application will not affect whether the Corps will issue a permit for any future wind project at this site. This is the second permit application the New England District has received for a single meteorological tower outside of Massachusetts's waters.

"In order to properly evaluate the Winergy proposal to collect wind, wave and other meteorological scientific data in ocean waters on the Outer Continental Shelf, approximately 7 nautical miles southeast of Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts, we are seeking public comment," Rosenberg said. "Additionally, any person may request, in writing, within the comment period specified in the notice, that a public hearing be held by the Corps to consider the application."

According to the permit application, the meteorological and scientific data collected by Winergy LLC, will be used to evaluate the surrounding area of the Outer Continental Shelf for suitability for an array of wind power generators. The Corps holds public hearings for the purpose of obtaining public comments when that is the best means for understanding a wide variety of concerns from a diverse segment of the public. Requests for a public hearing shall specifically state the reasons for holding a public hearing. The proposed project is located in the vicinity of Nantucket Shoal, about seven miles southeast of the island of Nantucket at Latitude North 41 degrees, 9 minutes, 30 seconds and Longitude West 69 degrees, 51 minutes, 12 seconds.

The project will impact about 200 square feet of fine-grained sands, gravel, and clay substrate that has been designated Essential Fish Habitat for various life stages of fish. This habitat will be affected during installation, displaced during the period which this structure occupies that location and during removal. However, the District Engineer has made a preliminary determination that the site-specific adverse effect will not be substantial for this structure. Further consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding Essential Fish Habitat conservation recommendations is being conducted and will be concluded prior to the final permit decision.

The application for the federal permit was filed with the Corps of Engineers in compliance with Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which provides for federal regulation of any work in, or affecting navigable waters of the United States.

To assist in properly evaluating the proposal, the Corps of Engineers is soliciting public comments. Written statements referencing this permit request (file #200201973) should be forwarded to this office no later than March 3, 2003. Additional information may be obtained from Karen Adams at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, Regulatory Division, 696 Virginia Road, Concord, MA 01742-2751. E-mail comments can be sent to wind.energy@usace.army.mil.

For more information about the Winergy LLC fixed tower proposal check the Corps website at: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil. Select "projects" and then "Winergy data tower permit application." SOURCE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

UNEP TO PUSH CRACKDOWN ON MERCURY POLLUTION

Nairobi, 7 February 2003 - A global crackdown on mercury pollution, an agreement to help rescue the environment of the Occupied Palestinian Territories and assistance for small island states to reduce their vulnerability to climate change, were among the key agreements made at the end of an international environment ministers meeting.

CLICK HERE to read the UNEP Global Mercury Assessment report.

Over a thousand delegates and more than 130 nations attended the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Klaus Toepfer, UNEP's Executive Director, said at the close: ' The level of attendance, the intensity of the negotiations and the fruitful outcome of our 22nd Governing Council undeniably underlines the growing importance of the environment, and its role in delivering, sustainable development'.

'It also underlines the importance that governments attach to our work in a wide range of fields. I have been particularly delighted to see the level of support given to the meeting from our host country. The Vice-President of Kenya, Michael Wamalwa, spoke at the opening of the ministerial session and we have been graced by the presence of not only the environment minister and his assistant minister but Kenyan ministers from areas such as trade and energy,' he said. 'The presence of President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal and his commitment to the environment component of the New Partnership for African Development only goes to further underscore Africa's commitment to UNEP, and UNEP's commitment to this Continent,' said Mr Toepfer.

Nations today re-emphasized their commitment to Africa and the environmental part of NEPAD and urged UNEP to work closely with not only governments on the Continent but bodies such as the specialized committees of the African Union, the African Development Bank and other UN organizations. The mercury decision follows discussions on a global assessment report, compiled by UNEP and experts and presented to delegates earlier in the week, which highlighted the threat to humans and wildlife from this persistent, health-hazardous, heavy metal.

Countries agreed that 'there is sufficient evidence of significant global adverse impacts from mercury and its compounds to warrant further international action to reduce the risks to human health and the environment'.

Under the action plan agreed today, UNEP has been asked to assist all countries, particularly developing ones and countries with economies in transition such as former states of the Soviet Union, in a wide ranging initiative to cut emissions of mercury from sources such as coal-fired power stations and incinerators. Measures may include advising countries on cleaner coal methods, improving the efficiency of power stations and advice and help on switching to other forms of electricity generation including renewables such as wind and solar power. Assisting countries on reducing other sources and causes of mercury pollution, including contaminated waste sites, dental amalgams and equipment, will also be part of the plan.

The agreement also calls for UNEP to help develop public awareness programmes to alert the public to the risks, especially vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and babies and workers and communities involved in small-scale gold and silver mining.

Mr Toepfer said: 'We have been meeting to make the Plan of Implementation, agreed five months ago at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), operational. In Johannesburg, it was agreed that by 2020 chemicals should be used and produced in ways that minimize significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. This decision on mercury sets us on course for delivering that in respect of one of the most worrying heavy metals'. Today delegates also welcome the progress in phasing out of lead from gasoline and emphasized the need to press ahead with similar phase-outs in other areas such as paints and household water pipes.

Countries backed a new effort to strengthen environment laws and their use especially in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. The initiative, which has grown out of the Global Judges Symposium held at WSSD, aims to boost knowledge of environment laws among judges, prosecutors and other relevant individuals and groups.

One of the most intensively debated issues concerned the setting up of an Inter-governmental Panel on Global Environmental Change (IPEC). It was decided to invite governments, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations and scientific bodies, to submit their views to the Executive Director on issues, such gaps in knowledge in global environmental change. A report on these submissions will be prepared and submitted to the Global Ministerial Environment Forum next year.

Nations also gave backing to more research by UNEP in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on the links between environment and cultural diversity.

A rescue plan for the environment of the Occupied Palestinian Territories was also agreed. (Please see UNEP News Release 2003/11 posted on www.unep.org today) For More Information Please Contact Eric Falt, Spokesperson/Director of UNEP's Division of Communications and Public Information, on Tel: 254 2 623292, Mobile: 254 (0) 733 682656, E-mail: eric.falt@unep.org or Nick Nuttall, UNEP Head of Media, on Tel: 254 2 623084, Mobile: 254 (0) 733 632755, E-mail: nick.nuttall@unep.org UNEP News Release: 2003/12

LEADERS FROM DUPONT AND OTHER MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS MEET IN MEXICO TO DISCUSS RENEWABLE ENERGY

Mexico City, 7 February 2003 &ndash Business leaders from DuPont to Volkswagen were among the dozen multinational companies talking renewable energy in Mexico today.

At a meeting organized by the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) of North America in Mexico City, government officials met with private sector representatives to identify obstacles and potential solutions to the development of renewable energy. Juan Jose Rodriguez Prats, a Senator and President of the Senate Committee on Energy, made the keynote speech.

Supported by the Center for Private-Sector Studies on Sustainable Development (Cespedes) and the National Commission for Energy Savings (Conae), the CEC sought to strengthen regional cooperation on this important issue.

‰ÛÏA sustainable electricity market that yields health and environmental benefits is the common goal of all the participants at this meeting,‰Û? said Hernando Guerrero, Director of the Mexico Liaison Office of the CEC. American and Canadian companies thus shared their experiences with the purchase of renewable electricity, and discussed opportunities for collaboration with some of Mexico‰Ûªs largest energy consumers.

"Multinational companies are increasingly committing to sustainable development" said John Carberry, Director of Environmental Technology at DuPont. "This is reflected in DuPont's goal to advance renewables by purchasing 10 per cent of our energy needs from renewable resources at a cost competitive with the best fossil fuel derived alternatives by the end of this decade."

Mexico, which is currently considering a restructuring of its electricity sector, has long been identified as a country with abundant renewable energy resources. Its geographic situation and climate conditions make the country an ideal location for many sources of renewable energy, including wind, solar, geothermic and biomass power.

These clean energy sources could complement fossil fuels, which currently account for about 75 per cent of electricity production in Mexico. For instance, wind potential in Mexico is estimated to have an electrical capacity of approximately 10,000 megawatts (MW)‰ÛÓroughly one third of the maximum national power grid load.

However, this potential is mitigated by such factors as legal and institutional frameworks, the intermittent nature of some renewable energy sources, the cost of upgrading power grids and high initial investment costs.

The meeting builds upon the previous work of Conae in organizing stakeholder seminars and workshops, and the CEC‰Ûªs landmark Environmental Challenges and Opportunities of the Evolving North American Electricity Market (http://www.cec.org/electricity) report in 2002. SOURCE: CEC.

GAO PRESS STATEMENT ON WALKER v. CHENEY

February 7, 2003 After thorough review and analysis of the district court's decision in Walker v. Cheney, as well as extensive outreach with congressional leadership and others concerning various policy matters and the potential ramifications of the courtÕs decision, for the reasons outlined below, GAO has decided not to appeal the decision.

As Comptroller General Walker has made clear on a number of occasions, GAO would not have filed this suit absent a formal written request from at least one full Senate committee with jurisdiction over this matter. Contrary to the district court's decision, and as re-confirmed in a letter to the Comptroller General dated January 24, 2003, two full committee chairs and two subcommittee chairs of the Senate, acting on behalf of their respective committees and subcommittees, all of which had jurisdiction over this matter, asked GAO to pursue its NEPDG investigation prior to GAO filing suit last year. Importantly, under GAOÕs governing statute, the agency is required to perform work when requested by a committee. In this case, GAO had made exhaustive efforts to reach an accommodation with the Administration, and only after all such attempts had failed did GAO file suit as its only remaining option.

This is precisely the process that Congress directed GAO to follow when it enacted GAO's access statute in 1980.

For a number of reasons, GAO strongly believes the district courtÕs decision is incorrect. In GAOÕs view, the district court misapplied the Supreme CourtÕs decision in Raines v. Byrd to GAO. Unlike the legislator-plaintiffs in Raines, who sought to invalidate a statute which had been enacted by the Congress, GAO sought to carry out Ð not invalidate Ð the information-gathering responsibilities which Congress assigned to it in GAO's access statute. The district courtÕs decision thus has prevented GAO from discharging its statutory responsibilities in this case. Furthermore, the opinion was based, in part, on a material factual error relating to the role various Senate chairs played as noted above. The opinion also leads to the highly questionable result that private citizens have more authority to enforce their rights to obtain information from the Executive Branch than the Comptroller General of the United States, acting in his official capacity as head of GAO.

Despite GAO's conviction that the district courtÕs decision was incorrect, further pursuit of the NEPDG information would require investment of significant time and resources over several years. At the same time, several private litigants are attempting to obtain much of the same information GAO has been seeking, and this information will be made available to GAO if they are successful in their cases. Importantly, because the district courtÕs decision did not address the merits, it has no effect on GAO's statutory audit rights or on the obligation of agencies to provide GAO with information. In addition, the court's decision is confined to the unique circumstances posed by this particular case and does not preclude GAO from filing suit on a different matter involving different facts and circumstances in the future.

GAO will continue to fulfill its statutory mission: to support the Congress in the discharge of CongressÕ constitutional responsibilities and to help assure reasonable transparency and appropriate accountability in government. GAO also will continue to perform its audit, evaluation, and investigative work in a professional, objective, fact-based, non-partisan, non-ideological, fair, and balanced manner.

According to Comptroller General Walker, ÒIn the final analysis, transparency and accountability in government are essential elements for a healthy democracy. In America, all public servants, including constitutional officers, work for the people.

While reasonable people can disagree on the proper amount of transparency and the appropriate degree of accountability, in the worldÕs greatest democracy, we should lead by example and base public disclosure on what is the right thing to do rather than on what one believes one is compelled to do. Based on my extensive congressional outreach efforts, there is a broad-based and bi-partisan consensus that GAO should have received the limited and non-deliberative NEPDG-related information that we were seeking without having to resort to litigation.

While we have decided not to pursue this matter further in the courts, we hope that the Administration will do the right thing and fulfill its obligations when it comes to disclosures to GAO, the Congress, and the public, not only in connection with this matter but all matters in the future. We hope that GAO is never again put in the position of having to resort to the courts to obtain information that Congress needs to perform its constitutional duties, but we will be prepared to do so in the future if necessary."

SECRETARY OF ENERGY NAMES VETERAN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ADVISER TO HEAD CLIMATE CHANGE TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, DC - Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham today announced that Dave Conover has been appointed as Director of the Climate Change Technology Program (CCTP). Managed by the Department of Energy, the CCTP is an ongoing, integrated, and comprehensive Federal research and development initiative that coordinates the actions of 13 federal agencies as they focus more effectively on President Bush's climate change goals.

"The Climate Change technology initiatives launched by President Bush are a top priority of this department," Secretary Abraham said. "Dave Conover has the ideal background to head the Climate Change Technology Program and develop a comprehensive research and development plan and implement the key recommendations."

The CCTP is organized under the auspices of the Cabinet-level Committee on Climate Change Science and Technology Integration (CCSTI), established by the President on February 14, 2002, which is chaired by Secretary Abraham. The Committee provides recommendations to the President on matters concerning climate change science and technology; addresses related Federal R&D funding issues; and coordinates with the Office of Management and Budget on implementation of its recommendations.

To the extent that funds may be made available, CCTP will also oversee a competitive solicitation program in support of the President's National Climate Change Technology Initiative (NCCTI). In the Energy Department's FY 2004 budget, $40 million was requested for the NCCTI competitive solicitation to explore novel concepts, new technologies, and advanced technical approaches. If successful, the competitive solicitation could contribute significantly to:

(a) future reductions in or avoidances of greenhouse gas emissions;
(b) greenhouse gas capture and sequestration (permanent storage);
(c) capture and conversion of greenhouse gases to beneficial use; or
(d) enhanced monitoring and measurement of greenhouse gas emissions, inventories and fluxes in a variety of settings.

Director Conover will take overall technical direction from the Energy Department's Under Secretary for Energy, Science and Environment, Robert Card, and will be assisted by Dr. Robert C. Marlay, a career senior executive, who will serve as the CCTP's deputy director.

Previous to this assignment, Conover was Minority Staff Director & Chief Counsel of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. In that capacity, he managed a diverse staff to accomplish legislative and oversight goals in areas including the Everglades restoration, MTBE remediation, water resources development, chemical site security, wastewater infrastructure funding, and comprehensive conservation funding and policy. Conover holds a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center and a B.A. from the University of Virginia, and is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia. SOURCE: DOE.