Meeting set for September 30 - October 1

AUSTIN -- Government and private sector leaders from the U.S.-Mexico border region will gather in Chihuahua, capital of the Mexican state of Chihuahua, for the 17th annual Border Energy Forum on September 30 and October 1. This year's forum - always held in a border state - will focus on sustainable energy potential in the Southwest United States and Northern Mexico.

Alternative fuels will be featured on the agenda, especially Natural Gas Vehicles. Projects under way in Mexico and the Southwest will be presented, as well as the opportunities for development of cross-border NGV corridors.

Other key issues on this year's agenda include the future of energy policy; border energy infrastructure; transportation fuels; financing energy projects, including alternative fuels; energy production and the environment; and natural gas production and markets.

The forum will begin with an opening reception on the evening of September 29, and a special visit will be provided at the conclusion of the conference on the afternoon of October 1 to a bio-methane production facility that includes the largest digester in Mexico.

The Border Energy Forum brings together leaders from industry, government, educational institutions, and environmental organizations to develop cutting edge strategies well grounded in economic reality. It has gained a strong reputation as a neutral ground to discuss energy-related challenges common to both sides of the border.

More than 200 leaders from the U.S. and Mexico representing industry, government, education and environmental organizations are expected to attend the Forum to discuss common-sense energy projects and policies. Last year's forum took place in Houston, Texas.

With a combined population of more than 70 million and growing, the U.S. and Mexican border states share many problems as well as opportunities. Energy has emerged as a mutually recognized theme critically needed to drive future growth.

‘This forum is all about maximizing our energy dollars, while minimizing environmental impacts," Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson said.

The General Land Office is working with a wide variety of partners to stage the Forum, including Chihuahua state government agencies and universities like the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.