U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2008)

U.S. Department of State

Remarks at Signing Ceremony With Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Support of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate

Paula J. Dobriansky, Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs
State Department Treaty Room
Washington, DC
December 3, 2008

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

Today, we will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to promote greater energy efficiency in buildings in China I'd like to welcome Mike Davis and Meredydd Evans of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory here to the State Department.

I would also like to thank Senator Maria Cantwell and Charge d'Affaires ad interim Xie Feng, of the Chinese Embassy for joining us to acknowledge the potential this partnership offers both for the State of Washington and the People's Republic of China.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

In addition to the United States and China, the APP includes Australia, Canada, India, Japan, and South Korea. And, importantly, the APP includes representatives from governments and the private sector. The APP focuses on cooperation in eight key energy-intensive sectors, ranging from buildings and appliances to steel to power generation.

From joint work on buildings in the Beijing Olympic Village to increasing the use of energy efficiency labels on appliances throughout Asia, APP projects are resulting in real benefits in all Partner countries.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

This year, we called for proposals from U.S. and Chinese organizations to do clean energy work in China. From a competitive field of over 90 proposals, eight projects were selected through a rigorous interagency process.

I am pleased to announce that Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's project -- "Implementation of Building Energy Codes in China" -- was one of the selected recipients. As you'll hear in a few minutes from Mike Davis and Meredydd Evans, this is a fantastic project that we think can deliver significant economic and environmental benefits.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]