Canadian, U.S. Officials Push For Western Energy Corridor

June 15, 2009 1:43 p.m. EST

Park City, UT (AHN) - Canadian premiers and United States governors attending the Western Governors' Association yearly conference are pushing for a cross-border Western Energy Corridor. If the plan pushes through, it would be the largest in the globe to develop both non-renewable and green energy options.

The corridor, planned by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall and Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer, could open new markets to Wall's province and two other Canadian provinces. These are Alberta and Manitoba.

Schweitzer pointed out, quoted by the CanWest News Service, "The most important energy corridor on the planet is no longer the Persian Gulf. It runs from the oilsands, Fort Mc-Murray to Port Arthur, Texas.... A large part of energy independence is going to be dependent upon developing the oilsands."

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said the western region of both nations is uniquely positioned to join efforts on energy issues. Doer said in a statement, "Manitoba supports necessary security measures that protect Canadians and Americans alike. At the same time, we will continue to work with our American neighbors to ensure that our integrated economies are open to each other. North America's strength as a region lies in working with our top trading partner to increase trade and build of economies."

Aside from the oilsands, the corridor hosts some of the best wind and solar resources in both countries, has vast coal and natural gas deposits and uranium.

Late last year the association asked then President-elect Barack Obama to pursue swift action in adopting and implementing a national energy plan and suggested initiatives to change the U.S.' energy infrastructure and economy while at the same time cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

According to a press release, the letter to Obama said, "Western states are the country's energy breadbasket, but energy efficiency has also got to play as much bigger role... That includes everything from manufacturing more fuel-efficient vehicles to changing regulatory structures so they reward utilities for achieving reduced energy usage among their customers."