[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 169 (Wednesday, September 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 45419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-21210]
[[Page 45419]]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Water and Energy Conservation: U.S. Department of Commerce
Services for Agribusiness
AGENCY: International Trade Administration, Department of Commerce.
ACTION: Notice of meeting.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) will host a one-day
conference for participants in the agribusiness industry during which
senior U.S. government officials will inform private sector
stakeholders, particularly manufacturers of irrigation and agricultural
equipment and relevant alternative energy technology, food processors,
and specialized service providers, of Commerce Department programs,
services, and data that may be of assistance to them in reducing their
consumption of water and energy. By lowering U.S. companies' costs
associated with water and energy consumption, Commerce Department
programs can assist American firms to be more competitive in domestic
and international markets, as well as advance U.S. Government
objectives with respect to sustainability and climate change.
A secondary purpose is to inform attendees of preparations for the
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
negotiations and for them to advise U.S. officials on the impact a new
UNFCCC agreement could have on their respective operations and on
associated commercial opportunities.
The conference will be held in El Centro, California at the
Barcelona Event Center.
DATES: September 17, 2009.
ADDRESSES: To register for the conferences, please visit the following
Web site: http://www.ivedc.com/?pid=1188.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Selection Criteria
Participation is on a first-come-first served basis. A $30 fee will
be charged.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration--The Mission of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is to understand
and predict changes in Earth's environment and conserve and manage
coastal and marine resources to meet our Nation's economic, social, and
environmental needs.
A number of NOAA organizations offer data and services to assist
agribusiness in responding to drought and the need to conserve water.
These include the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC), which provides
and ensures timely access to global environmental data from satellites
and other sources, provides information services, and develops science
products; the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS),
which provides authoritative, reliable information for farmers,
forestry professionals, urban water managers, and other decision makers
who need to prepare for and mitigate the effects of drought.; and the
Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC), one of six such centers that
produce and deliver useful climate data, information and knowledge in a
timely manner for decision makers and other users at the local, state,
regional and national levels.
International Trade Administration--The International Trade
Administration (ITA) is charged with the mission of strengthening the
competitiveness of U.S. industry, of promoting trade and investment,
and of ensuring fair trade and compliance with trade laws and
agreements. ITA creates opportunities for U.S. workers and firms by
promoting international trade opportunities and by fostering a level
playing field for American business.
ITA's Manufacturing and Services (MAS) unit is dedicated to
strengthening the global competitiveness of U.S. industry, expanding
its market access, and increasing exports. MAS undertakes industry
economic and trade policy analysis, shapes U.S. trade policy,
participates in trade negotiations, organizes trade capacity building
programs, and evaluates the impact of domestic and international
economic and regulatory policies on U.S. manufacturers and service
industries.
The U.S. Commercial Service is ITA's trade promotion unit.
Commercial Service trade specialists in 107 U.S. cities and more than
80 countries work with U.S. companies to help them sell American goods
and services in global markets.
National Institute of Standards and Technology/Manufacturers Extension
Partnership
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a non-
regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce.
NIST's mission is to promote U.S. innovation and industrial
competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and
technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our
quality of life. NIST's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is a
national network of specialists who provide American companies with
services and access to public and private resources to enhance growth,
improve productivity, and expand capacity.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC)--
The UNFCCC was signed in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and entered
into force on March 21, 1994. Currently, 192 states have ratified the
Convention, including the United States. The treaty requires national
inventories of greenhouse gas emissions from developed countries and
encourages national action to stem greenhouse gas emissions and slow
climate change. Developed nations also pledge to share technology and
resources with developing nations.
Negotiations under the UNFCCC are underway to formulate a successor
agreement to the convention's Kyoto Protocol. The discussions have the
goal of concluding an agreement in Copenhagen this December. Potential
impacts on U.S. industrial competitiveness will be discussed during the
upcoming conferences include technology transfer, intellectual
property, financing, and related commercial opportunities.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Padraic Sweeney, in the Office of
Transportation and Machinery, at 202-482-5024, or by e-mail:
[email protected].
Dated: August 27, 2009.
Thomas Sobotta,
Acting Director, Office of Transportation and Machinery, U.S.
Department of Commerce.
[FR Doc. E9-21210 Filed 9-1-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-DR-P