Canada, U.S., Mexico agree new climate deal
North American energy ministers announced a new partnership on Monday and will set up a working group on climate change and energy
The energy ministers of Canada, the United States and Mexico announced a new partnership on Monday and will set up a working group on climate change and energy to collaborate on policy.
Greg Rickford, Canada's minister of natural resources, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and Pedro Joaquin-Coldwell, Mexico's energy secretary reached the new deal during a meeting of North American energy ministers.
The partnership will improve cooperation on climate change and environmental policies and will enhance the related discussions and negotiations between the countries.
The agreement does not include binding targets but will focus on clean energy technology development, the reliable and low-carbon electricity grids, and strategies to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Canada and Barack Obama’s U.S. administration have clashed in recent months over the proposed Keystone XL pipeline that would connect the oil sands region in Alberta, Canada with the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Canadian officials have criticised their U.S. counterparts for delaying a review into the project, while President Obama has indicated he would not approve the development of the pipeline if it will have severe environmental impacts.
In a statement Rickford said: "By co-operating with our North American partners, we are enhancing energy security and the environment while strengthening jobs and the economy," Rickford said in a statement.
