Utah's Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED) has signed an agreement with the Mexican state of Baja California's Ministry of Economic Development to promote collaboration in advancing infrastructure, technology and global market access for Utah’s energy resources.
“Utah’s strong economic focus, consistent policy landscape and diverse natural energy resource mix has positioned us to become a global powerhouse for energy exports,” said Laura Nelson, the governor’s energy advisor. “As the world’s demand for energy continues to rise, Utah’s unparalleled resources can play a key role in helping the world realize greater energy security, which will also serve to strengthen our rural communities at home.”
“We thank the Governor’s Office of Energy Development for all the previous work that has led us to this moment in which we can sign a memorandum of understanding that will set the basis for a close binational collaboration for the benefit of both entities,” said Carlo Bonfante, secretary of economic development for Baja California.
The signing took place at the Port of Ensenada as part of an OED-led stakeholder visit to explore transport options from the U.S. border in San Diego to the port terminal roughly 65 miles south. The port registers as one of the most commercially dynamic exchange locations in the world, with connections to 64 ports in 28 countries, OED said. In the coming years, the port is set to expand to El Sauzal, five miles north, creating potential for greater export opportunities for Utah’s commodities.
Utah continues to experience increased production across energy resources desired overseas, namely coal and natural gas, according to the OED release. With five coal mines expanding, projected exports of Utah coal are set to be roughly 4.5 million tons in 2018. Similarly, Utah is building a regional coalition dedicated to creating market access for transporting natural gas to Asia.
As part of the agreement, the offices seek to encourage cooperation across infrastructure development, trade opportunities among regulators and operators in identifying potential global markets and promoting visits by government, industry and other specialists.
The agreement and visit to Baja California comes after Gov. Gary R. Herbert’s trade mission to Mexico in April, as well as a series of government and industry stakeholder meetings in the months thereafter.