Energy Commissioner Piebalgs Signs Accession Protocol of Methane to Markets Partnership

Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs, on a visit to Washington DC, today signed the terms of reference document formalising the participation of the European Commission in the Methane to Markets ("M2M") Partnership.

"The Methane to Markets partnership is an important initiative in reducing methane emissions and thereby helping to combat global warming. It will directly contribute to the European Commission's goal of limiting global warming to 2° Celsius," said Commissioner Piebalgs.

"Working with the European Commission to advance clean energy solutions, President Bush is helping turn strong economic partners into good environmental neighbors," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By converting waste into wealth, we are moving together toward a cleaner, healthier, more productive world."

The Methane to Markets Partnership was launched on 16 November 2004 at a Ministerial Meeting in Washington, D.C., when 14 national governments signed on as partners. By now, the M2M Partnership consists of 20 national governments and the European Commission. Four EU Member States (Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK) are already partners. The Commission applied for membership in Spring 2007. This application was approved by the M2M steering Committee and the Commission's membership became effective on 21 September 2007. The Commission will be active in the M2M steering committee as well as in the technical sub-committees "Methane from coal mines" and "Methane from oil and gas operations."

For more information on the Methane to Markets Partnership, please visit www.methanetomarkets.org