Water and Energy Conservation: U.S. Department of Commerce Services for Agribusiness, 45419 [E9-21210]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 169 (Wednesday, September 2, 2009)]
[Notices]
[Page 45419]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-21210]



[[Page 45419]]

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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.

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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: https://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: 
Padraic.Sweeney@mail.doc.gov.

    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