US, Japan Partner to Promote Clean Development and Reduce Emissions
AEN News
Washington - Representatives of two of the world's largest economies
met this week to discuss ways to improve air quality and promote
clean energy, energy security, and economic opportunities at
home and abroad. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and
Japanese partners explored options for collaborating on projects
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally and encourage
sustainable development.
"President Bush and the EPA are helping turn strong economic partners
into strong environmental partners," said EPA Administrator Stephen
L. Johnson. "By exporting our successes, this U.S.–Japan partnership
can help developing countries understand that environmental
protection and economic progress can, and do, go hand in hand."
The meeting was supported by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment,
Japan-based Institute for Global Environmental Strategies and
the EPA. Participants agreed to strengthen international
cooperation on actions that will simultaneously reduce emissions
of global greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, particularly
in developing countries. The EPA showcased its experience in
voluntary programs to reap environmental benefits, including
the Landfill Methane Outreach Program and the Integrated
Environmental Strategies Program, among others.
"It is important for the U.S. and Japan to collaborate to help
developing countries implement projects to generate co-benefits,
such as public health benefits, and better air and water quality,
while reducing greenhouse gas emissions," said Japanese Vice
Minister for Global Environmental Affairs, Mr. Toshiro Kojima.
The U.S.-Japan partnership supports the recently launched
Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
that promotes projects and programs to protect the environment,
improve public health, and enhance economic growth worldwide.
The EPA also plays a critical role in the success of the
international Methane to Markets Partnership, of which Japan
is also a charter member.
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