WASHINGTON, DC – Acting Deputy Secretary of Energy Jeffrey F. Kupfer will be in Calgary, Alberta, Canada tomorrow to highlight U.S.-Canada energy cooperation.  Canada is a critical energy ally, supplying the U.S. with more oil, natural gas, uranium and electricity than any other country in the world.

“The U.S. and Canada have historically shared a very strong and unique relationship, and I believe our future will be even brighter as we stand together to meet the energy needs of our two nations and work to ensure a more secure energy future for all nations of the world.” Acting Deputy Secretary Jeff Kupfer said.  “It is very clear that energy diversity—of supplies, suppliers and supply routes—is absolutely essential to enhancing global energy security, and will require substantial long-term commitments from all nations of the world.”

During his trip, Kupfer will meet with Gaetan Caron, Chairman of Canada’s National Energy Board to discuss cross-border infrastructure projects.   He will also tour the Syncrude oil sands project in Fort McMurray, Alberta.  Canada’s oil sands play a key role in U.S.—and North American—energy security.  Of Canada’s total 179 billion barrels of oil reserves, 173 billion barrels are in oil sands reserves, making Canada second only to Saudi Arabia in global oil reserves. Continued investment in research and development of key technologies to ensure this vast resource is developed in an economically efficient and environmentally responsible way is a key priority.

Kupfer’s trip to Calgary builds upon U.S. Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman’s visit in 2006, marking the first trip to the oil sands by a U.S. Energy Secretary.  During that trip, Secretary Bodman noted the great potential of the oil sands, both for the energy security if the U.S. and the economic security of Canada—provided that it is managed for the long-term in an economically efficient and environmentally sound way.

Media contact(s):
Bethany Shively, (202) 586-4940