U. S. energy review puts G7 climate action on ice

Joint declaration stalled by Trump administration

ROME • Top energy officials from the Group of Seven industrial nations failed to agree on language for a joint declaration on Monday because of the U. S. administration’s review of policies related to climate change and the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Italy’s economic development minister, Carlo Calenda, told a news conference that those areas remained “key priorities for other G7 countries and the EU” but that the United States “reserves its position” while the review is underway.

“Therefore i t was not possible to sign a final joint declaration, since it would not cover the whole range of topics in the agenda,” he said.

Canada’s energy minister, Jim Carr, said the meeting was “an important opportunity for us to share ideas” and that he was there in part to discuss “Canada’s leadership in the global transition to clean energy.”

U. S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry led the U. S. delegation to the talks that were being closely watched by climate- change activists after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that was part of his pledge to undo much of his predecessor’s efforts against global warming.

While campaigning for president, Trump pledged to “cancel” the Paris Agreement, the first international deal to curb greenhouse- gas emissions from both rich and poor countries. Thenpresident Barack Obama enthusiastically supported the agreement, adopted by the U.S. and more than 190 other countries in 2015.

Carr said he had productive conversations with Perry about energy t rade and energy security. “We continue to talk about collaborating on energy trade and infrastructure,” Carr said by phone to reporters in Canada. Ottawa applauded Trump’s recent approval of TransCanada Corp.’s Keystone XL pipeline between the two countries but had expressed concern over plans for a border adjustment tax, which could hurt Canada’s largest export, oil.

Another official at the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not the official spokesman of his delegation, said the meeting failed to agree on a draft joint statement because it included a reaffirmation of commitments made under the Paris Agreement.

“Perry and his team were not ready to accept that, mainly on the argument that they are reviewing their policies and have not yet taken a position on the Paris Agreement,” he said.

There was no immediate response to a request for comment from the U. S. delegation.

Trump’s order launched a review of the Clean Power Plan, Obama’s effort to restrict emissions from coalfired power plants. Trump also lifted a 14- month halt on new coal leases on federal lands.

EU Climate and Energy head Miguel Arias Canete noted that except for the U. S., all G7 nations joined the EU in reaffirming their determination to i mplement the Paris deal. “We see climate action and the clean energy transition for what it is: a driver of jobs and economy growth, a moral imperative and a promise for a better future,” he said.

Officials said consensus was reached on co-operation to support energy security in Ukraine, the future role of natural gas and cybersecurity in the energy sector.

Greenpeace activists protested outside, calling on officials to maintain their commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement.