U.S.-China Ten Year Framework for Energy and Environment

U.S.-China Ten Year Framework for Energy and Environment Cooperation

Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 11, 2012

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The United States and the People’s Republic of China held the 8th Joint Working Group Meeting of the U.S.-China Ten Year Framework (TYF) for Energy and Environment Cooperation April 9-10 in Washington, D.C. Dr Kerri-Ann Jones, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, and David Sandalow, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Policy and International Affairs, co-chaired the meetings on behalf of the United States. Vice Chairman Zhang Xiaoqiang from the Chinese National Development and Reform Commission led the Chinese delegation. The two sides assessed ongoing collaboration and exchanged views on emerging issues, including low-carbon sustainable communities.

Established in June 2008, the TYF facilitates the exchange of information and best practices to foster innovation and develop solutions to the pressing environment and energy challenges both countries face. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, and Chinese State Counselor Dai Bingguo participated in the July 2009 signing of the Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Cooperation on Climate Change, Energy, and the Environment, which expanded the role of the TYF and established a new strategic dialogue on climate change.

Agencies in each country implement the TYF, which includes seven action plans: on protection of air, water, wetlands, nature reserves and protected areas, and transportation, electricity, and energy efficiency. In addition, public-private “EcoPartnerships” contribute to TYF goals. There are currently 15 EcoPartnerships between U.S. and Chinese organizations, with several new partnerships in the planning stages. The expansion of EcoPartnerships will encourage U.S. and Chinese stakeholders to build capacity and commitment to sustainable economic development at the local level.

U.S. agencies involved in the TYF include the Departments of State, Energy, Commerce, Interior, Transportation, and Agriculture, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Trade and Development Agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Participating agencies for China include the National Development and Reform Commission, the State Forestry Administration, the National Energy Administration, and the Ministries of Finance, Environmental Protection, Science and Technology, and Foreign Affairs.

ENDS

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