Methane reduction activities formalized.

The Mexican Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources, Jose Luis Luege, and the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Antonio O. Garza, presided over the first meeting of the Methane to Markets Partnership (M2M) in Mexico.

The M2M Partnership is an international initiative that focuses on advancing cost-effective, near-term methane recovery and use as a clean energy source. 14 countries launched the initiative on November 16, 2004, and since then both South Korea and Canada have also become partners. Partnership goals will be achieved through collaboration among developed countries, developing countries, and countries with economies in transition--together with strong participation from the private sector. The Partnership will reduce global methane emissions to enhance economic growth, promote energy security, improve the environment, and reduce greenhouse gases. Other benefits include improving mine safety, reducing waste, and improving local air quality. The partnership initially targets three major methane sources: landfills, underground coal mines, and natural gas and oil systems. For additional information on the Methane to Markets Partnership and opportunities for methane recovery and use, visit www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets.

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