Energy Markets and the Environment

In April 2001, U.S President Bush, Mexican President Fox, and Canadian Prime Minister Chrétien committed to building an integrated North American energy market. The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC)?founded by the three governments?has concluded a two-year study of this sector and this month will submit its report on the environmental implications of increased electricity production..

Issues addressed include: integration in the context of U.S. electricity restructuring, expansion of cross-border trade in electricity, increased foreign direct investment for generation, and especially, environmental impacts. In particular, the report looks at the tensions between NAFTA guidelines on coal-fired power plants and planned steps to reduce emissions of these plants.

The Trade, Environment, and Development Project hosted a preview presentation of the report. Click below to listen to listen to audio.

Introduction by John Audley, director of the Endowment?s Trade, Environment, and Development Project

Scott Vaughan, head of the CEC's Environment, Economy, and Trade Program, presents his findings. Click here to view his presentation.

Gary Horlick, partner at O'Melveny & Myers and a former U.S. trade negotiator, conducted the legal analysis of the CEC energy report

Scott Hempling, lawyer, energy regulation expert, and co-author of the Union of Concerned Scientists' comment on the CEC report

Rebuttals

Q and A

More information on the CEC's study of the electricity sector, including supporting documents, can be found on the CEC's Electricity and the Environment Web site.