Press Release

Commerce Secretary Gutierrez Touts Clean Energy in Korea

Promotes Unique Public Private Partnership to Benefit Global Environment and U.S. Business

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today participated in a clean energy technology event in Seoul, Korea with U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman, where they highlighted the tremendous progress made by Seoul city buses. The buses are manufactured by Natural Gas Vehicle International, a Korean company, using U.S. technology developed by Woodward Governor Company of Illinois, to eliminate pollution and promote high efficiency natural gas vehicles.

"This innovative technology and unique public private partnership is a win-win for American workers, the people of Korea and the environment," said Gutierrez. "Clean air technology produced in America has helped transform Seoul city buses from polluting diesel engines to high-efficiency natural gas vehicles. Technology developed in Illinois, manufactured in Colorado and implemented on the streets of Seoul for a cleaner environment for us all—that's the global economy in action."

In 2005, President George W. Bush called for the formation of the Asia Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate (APP) to bring together the public and private sectors of Australia, China, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and the United States to promote cleaner, cost-effective energy technologies and practices among partner nations.

The clean energy technology application used by both companies supports the goals and objectives of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate and serves as a model for other countries in the region.

APP is identifying policies and deploying technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote healthier air quality, advance sustained economic growth, and reduce poverty in the context of sustained economic growth. The six partner countries represent approximately half of the world's economy, population and energy use. They also produce about half of the world's emissions, much of which is due to inefficient and polluting power generation and industry in China and India.

Woodward Governor Company of Rockford, Illinois has developed and successfully marketed four generations of OH systems for heavy-duty gas engines, with the most recent generation meeting the most stringent emissions regulations legislated around the world. This American company is the world's largest independent designer, manufacturer, and service provider of energy control solutions for aircraft engines, industrial engines and turbines, and power generation and mobile industrial equipment. Woodward helps customers worldwide operate cleaner, more reliable and cost effective equipment. Woodward is a global leader, through innovation and technology, in power generation, transportation, process industries, and aerospace.

"The Seoul bus system is evidence that U.S. technology can play a critical role in achieving a cleaner environment throughout the world," said Gutierrez. "The clean air technology developed by Woodward Governor Company which is being used on Korean buses is an excellent example of the global economy in action and symbolizes how nations can work together to protect the environment."

The Republic of Korea is the world's eleventh-largest economy, generating nearly $1 trillion and importing $248 billion worth of goods every year.

It is the United States' seventh-largest trading partner and seventh-largest export market. In 2005, trade between the two countries was valued at approximately $72 billion.

Secretary Gutierrez is in Korea to promote increased trade ties and expanded access for U.S. exports, and to address U.S. trade concerns involving market access and intellectual property rights.