†
428
HR 6 PP
(A) an information sharing and coordi-
nating mechanism in case of energy supply
emergencies;
(B) technical assistance in the development
and management of national strategic petroleum
reserves within countries of the Western Hemi-
sphere;
(C) technical assistance in developing na-
tional programs to meet the requirements of
membership in a future international energy ap-
plication procedure as described in subsection
(d);
(D) emergency demand restraint measures;
(E) energy switching preparedness and al-
ternative energy production capacity; and
(F) ongoing demand intensity reduction
programs.
(3) MEMBERSHIP.—The Secretary should seek to
include in the Western Hemisphere energy crisis re-
sponse mechanism membership for each major energy
producer and major energy consumer in the Western
Hemisphere and other members of the Hemisphere
Energy Cooperation Forum authorized under section
706.
†
429
HR 6 PP
(d) INTERNATIONAL ENERGY PROGRAM APPLICATION
PROCEDURE.—
(1) AUTHORITY.—The President should place on
the agenda for discussion at the Governing Board of
the International Energy Agency, as soon as prac-
ticable, the merits of establishing an international en-
ergy program application procedure.
(2) PURPOSE.—The purpose of such procedure is
to allow countries that are not members of the Inter-
national Energy Program to apply to the Governing
Board of the International Energy Agency for alloca-
tion of petroleum reserve stocks in times of emergency
on a grant or loan basis. Such countries should also
receive technical assistance for, and be subject to, con-
ditions requiring development and management of
national programs for energy emergency prepared-
ness, including demand restraint, fuel switching pre-
paredness, and development of alternative fuels pro-
duction capacity.
(e) REPORTS REQUIRED.—
(1) PETROLEUM RESERVES.—Not later than 180
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary of Energy shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a report that evaluates the
options for adapting the United States national stra-
†
430
HR 6 PP
tegic petroleum reserve and the international petro-
leum reserve coordinating mechanism in order to
carry out this section.
(2) CRISIS RESPONSE MECHANISMS.—Not later
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the
Secretary of Energy, shall submit to the appropriate
congressional committees a report on the status of the
establishment of the international petroleum crisis re-
sponse mechanisms described in subsections (b) and
(c). The report shall include recommendations of the
Secretary of State and the Secretary of Energy for
any legislation necessary to establish or carry out
such mechanisms.
(3) EMERGENCY APPLICATION PROCEDURE.—Not
later than 60 days after a discussion by the Gov-
erning Board of the International Energy Agency of
the application procedure described under subsection
(d), the President should submit to Congress a report
that describes—
(A) the actions the United States Govern-
ment has taken pursuant to such subsection; and
(B) a summary of the debate on the matter
before the Governing Board of the International
Energy Agency, including any decision that has
†
431
HR 6 PP
been reached by the Governing Board with re-
spect to the matter.
SEC. 706. HEMISPHERE ENERGY COOPERATION FORUM.
(a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The engagement of the United States Govern-
ment with governments of countries in the Western
Hemisphere is a strategic priority for reducing the
potential for tension over energy resources, maintain-
ing and expanding reliable energy supplies, expand-
ing use of renewable energy, and reducing the detri-
mental effects of energy import dependence within the
hemisphere. Current energy dialogues should be ex-
panded and refocused as needed to meet this chal-
lenge.
(2) Countries of the Western Hemisphere can
most effectively meet their common needs for energy
security and sustainability through partnership and
cooperation. Cooperation between governments on en-
ergy issues will enhance bilateral relationships among
countries of the hemisphere. The Western Hemisphere
is rich in natural resources, including biomass, oil,
natural gas, coal, and has significant opportunity for
production of renewable hydro, solar, wind, and other
energies. Countries of the Western Hemisphere can
†
432
HR 6 PP
provide convenient and reliable markets for trade in
energy goods and services.
(3) Development of sustainable energy alter-
natives in the countries of the Western Hemisphere
can improve energy security, balance of trade, and
environmental quality and provide markets for en-
ergy technology and agricultural products. Brazil and
the United States have led the world in the produc-
tion of ethanol, and deeper cooperation on biofuels
with other countries of the hemisphere would extend
economic and security benefits.
(4) Private sector partnership and investment in
all sources of energy is critical to providing energy se-
curity in the Western Hemisphere.
(b) HEMISPHERE ENERGY COOPERATION FORUM.—
(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of State,
in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, should
immediately seek to establish a regional-based min-
isterial forum to be known as the Hemisphere Energy
Cooperation Forum.
(2) PURPOSES.—The Hemisphere Energy Co-
operation Forum should seek—
(A) to strengthen relationships between the
United States and other countries of the Western
†
433
HR 6 PP
Hemisphere through cooperation on energy
issues;
(B) to enhance cooperation between major
energy producers and major energy consumers in
the Western Hemisphere, particularly among the
governments of Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the
United States, and Venezuela;
(C) to ensure that energy contributes to the
economic, social, and environmental enhance-
ment of the countries of the Western Hemisphere;
(D) to provide an opportunity for open dia-
logue and joint commitments between member
governments and with private industry; and
(E) to provide participating countries the
flexibility necessary to cooperatively address
broad challenges posed to the energy supply of
the Western Hemisphere that are practical in
policy terms and politically acceptable.
(3) ACTIVITIES.—The Hemisphere Energy Co-
operation Forum should implement the following ac-
tivities:
(A) An Energy Crisis Initiative that will
establish measures to respond to temporary en-
ergy supply disruptions, including through—