Letter To Hillary Clinton, Secretary Of State

Today, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt joined with Ed Markey, the Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, to urge the Obama Administration to join the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and to sign the agreement establishing the organization at the next Preparatory Commission meeting on June 29 and 30.

The International Renewable Energy Agency, or IRENA, has 104 signatory states but the United States is not among them, something Delahunt and Markey hope will change before the group meets in Egypt next week. IRENA aims to provide advice for its members on technology, business models, regulatory frameworks, financing and other areas, while also serving as a storehouse of information and data about renewable energy globally.

IRENA was formally established in January at a gathering in Bonn, Germany. But key decisions about the body await at the late June meeting in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. An interim body will decide on a headquarters and interim director general, as well as make decisions on IRENA plans, its budget, and other areas. Delahunt strongly believes that the United States should be an active participant in this process.

Text of the letter follows:

The Honorable Hillary Clinton
Secretary of State
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Secretary Clinton:

We are writing to encourage the administration to engage in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and, in particular, to sign the international agreement establishing the organization, the IRENA Statute, in advance of the next Preparatory Commission meeting June 29-30.

As you know, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an inter-governmental organization that will focus on driving a rapid transition towards the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy on a global scale. Currently, 98 countries have signed the IRENA Statue since the organization was officially established in Bonn, Germany earlier this year. By signing the Statute by June 29th, the United States would be in a position to exercise significant influence in shaping the nascent institution, including in determining the location of the IRENA headquarters, selecting the Director-General that will lead the body, and ensuring that IRENA coordinates with existing organizations and programs to fill gaps in global activities and avoid duplication of effort. Current U.S. law, through Section 502 of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act of 1978, already provides broad authority for extensive United States assistance to developing countries for the purposes of expanding renewable energy alternatives and reducing the dependence of such countries on petroleum fuels.

For the United States, participation in IRENA can positively advance U.S. domestic and foreign policy objectives. Wide global deployment of renewable energy technologies can stimulate economic growth domestically as new export markets are created abroad. Demand for U.S. manufacturers to provide renewable energy systems will create and sustain domestic clean energy jobs. Expansion of renewable energy will improve our own energy security, mitigate climate change, and improve air quality and clean water availability. Peaceful collaboration to advance renewable energy technologies and policies is an opportunity to unite in a common cause with other nations and strengthen relationships within the international community.

The mission of IRENA is consistent with H.R. 2454, legislation currently moving through the House of Representatives that would establish a limit on greenhouse gas emissions and facilitate transition to a low carbon energy economy. Participation in IRENA would accelerate this process internationally and highlight U.S. interest and leadership in promoting renewable energy.

We have waited too long to exercise leadership in building a clean energy future and meet the urgent challenge of global warming. At home and abroad, we must embark now on a new era of collaboration and transformation of our energy system. We ask you to join us in this effort by signing the International Renewable Energy Agency Statue and engaging the United States in this important international organization.

Sincerely,

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