I am pleased to announce that, as part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to the development of clean, renewable energy, the United States today signed the Statute of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
IRENA will engage governments around the world in promoting a rapid transition toward the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy on a global scale. Our government’s participation is an important element of the Administration’s effort to support clean energy technologies and the development of low carbon economies to address global climate change and to advance our domestic and foreign policy objectives. With more than 130 nations as signatories, IRENA will help ensure that global resources are put to maximum effect, especially in response to the needs of the developing world.
As President Obama has said, the development of clean, renewable sources of energy will be the growth industry of the 21st century. Not only is this an important step toward creating jobs, it will help safeguard the health of our planet and enhance America’s future prosperity and security. For these reasons and more, the State Department will continue to make climate change and clean energy priorities of our foreign policy agenda. The Administration will work closely with other signatories, IRENA’s leadership, and Members of Congress to ensure that IRENA’s work augments and complements other renewable energy efforts around the world.
Today’s signing was the result of careful consideration by the Administration and members of Congress following the launchingof IRENA in January. Ambassador Reno Harnish, Acting Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Science, signed the statute at the second session of the IRENA Preparatory Commission in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
PRN: 2009/662
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