Energy Institute Hosts US-Japan Talks on Future Climate Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Chamber's Institute for 21st Century Energy today convened a US-Japan business coalition to discuss what an international climate change policy should look like once the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.

"We accept the phenomenon that the earth is warming and that we must craft common-sense solutions to ensure a clean environment, as well as a strong economy," said General James L. Jones (Ret.), President and CEO of the Institute, in opening remarks at the meeting.

"Any future climate change policy must encourage individuals and businesses to use energy more efficiently, foster innovative technologies, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The close relationship between the United States and Japan should help them address climate change and energy in a meaningful and practical way," General Jones said.

Shunji Yanai, former Japanese Ambassador to the United States, led the group from Japan. The Japanese delegation represented a business committee including officials from Toyota Motor Corporation, Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc., Nippon Steel Corporation and other companies and Japanese energy institutions. Committee members include: Shoichiro Toyoda, Honorary Chairman of Toyota; Takashi Imai, Honorary Chairman of Nippon Steel; and Nobuya Minami, advisor to Tokyo Electric Power.

"To cope with climate change is a difficult task that will take time," Mr. Yanai said. "It is good for the United States and Japan to cooperate on this problem. We want to continue that cooperation," he added.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE: The mission of the Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify energy stakeholders and policymakers behind a common strategy to ensure that America's energy supply is adequate, diverse, and affordable while protecting national security and improving the environment. The Institute also conducts international outreach to address global energy challenges.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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