President Trump Issues Executive Order on Reviving the National Space Council

On Friday, President Donald J. Trump issued an Executive Order to revive the National Space Council.

President Trump Reinstates National Space Council

President George H.W. Bush established the National Space Council in 1989. The Council was tasked with advising and assisting the President regarding national space policy and strategy. The Council ceased operation in 1993. This Executive Order revives the Council and will reinvigorate America’s role as a leader in space, strengthen America’s economy, and advance the security of the American people.

President Trump Reinstates National Space Council

Vice President Mike Pence introduced the President before the signing of the Executive Order. As the Chairman of the National Space Council, the Vice President will play an indispensable role in crafting America’s space policy.

Vice President Pence makes remarks

The Vice President said that he was honored and enthusiastic to act as Chairman of the Council. He stated that the Administration’s commitment to space exploration will “strengthen the American spirit” and inspire the American people to “blaze new trails into the unknown”.

Watch President Trump and Vice President Pence’s remarks below.




President Trump Vows to Usher in Golden Era of American Energy Dominance

We will bring new opportunity to the heartland, new prosperity to our inner cities, and new infrastructure all across our nation. When it comes to the future of America’s energy needs, we will find it, we will dream it, and we will build it.

President Donald J. Trump

 

On Thursday, President Donald J. Trump joined Energy Industry Executives, members of Congress, and Cabinet Officials at the Department of Energy to deliver remarks on unleashing America’s boundless capacity for energy production.

“We’re here today to usher in a new American energy policy,” he declared.

The President explained that he is not only focusing on “energy independence,” but also “energy dominance.”

With that goal in mind, he outlined six concrete steps his Administration is immediately taking to promote strength and innovation in America’s energy sector.

“First, we will begin to revive and expand our nuclear energy sector, which produces clean, renewable and emissions-free energy. A complete review of U.S. nuclear energy policy will help us find new ways to revitalize this crucial energy resource.

Second, the Department of the Treasury will address barriers to the financing of highly efficient overseas coal energy plants. Ukraine already tells us they need millions of metric tons right now – and we want to sell it to them, and to everyone else who needs it.

Third, my administration has just approved the construction of a new petroleum pipeline to Mexico, which will further boost American Energy Exports.

Fourth, just today, a major U.S. company, Sempra Energy, signed an agreement to begin negotiations for the sale of more American natural gas to South Korea.

Fifth, the U.S. Department of Energy is announcing today that it will approve two long-term applications to export additional natural gas from the Lake Charles LNG terminal in Louisiana.

Finally, in order to unlock more energy from the 94 percent of offshore land closed to development under the previous administration, we are creating a new offshore Oil and Gas Leasing program. America will be allowed to access the vast energy wealth located right off our shores.”

These steps will benefit the American people in numerous ways, the President explained.

Our country will no longer be vulnerable to foreign regimes that use energy as an economic weapon; American families will have access to cheaper energy, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned dollars; and our workers will have access to more jobs and opportunities.

“And this is only the beginning,” the President said. The Golden Era of American Energy is now underway – and all of you will be a part of creating this exciting new future.”

President Trump speaks at an Unleashing American Energy event




Press Releases: Release of FFM Report on April 4, 2017, Khan Shaykhun Sarin Attack


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 29, 2017


Today, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Fact¬ Finding Mission (FFM) issued a report confirming that sarin or a sarin-like chemical weapon was used on April 4, 2017, in Khan Shaykhun, Syria. The FFM’s conclusion is based on a wide range of information, including the results of analysis of biomedical samples taken from the victims and the surrounding environment, and extensive witness interviews.

The FFM report will now be conveyed to the OPCW-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM), the additional independent international expert mechanism established by the UN Security Council, to determine who is responsible for the attack.

The United States strongly supports the FFM and JIM efforts, which have been pursued in an impartial and highly professional manner.

The facts reflect a despicable and highly dangerous record of chemical weapons use by the Assad regime. Through its continued use of chemical weapons and its failure to destroy its chemical weapons program in its entirety, Syria continues to fail to comply with its legal obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and UN Security Council Resolution 2118.






Press Releases: U.S. Department of State Releases Investment Climate Statements for 2017


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 29, 2017


The Department of State today began releasing this year’s Investment Climate Statements, an annual report that provides economy-specific information and assessments on the investment climate in over 170 foreign markets.

The 2017 reports feature a streamlined format and focused content, reflecting the evolving landscape of investment conditions abroad, and drawing on the unique expertise of the Department’s economic officers working at our embassies and consulates around the world.

The Investment Climate Statements include examples of expanding openness to foreign investment and investor protections, as well as challenges and barriers to investment. Topics include: Openness to Foreign Investment; Legal Regimes and Transparency; Industrial Policies; Protection of Real and Intellectual Property Rights; State-Owned Enterprises; Responsible Business Conduct; Corruption; and Political and Security Environments.

The Investment Climate Statements help U.S. companies make informed decisions on doing business in foreign markets, and in doing so help increase U.S. exports and generate U.S. jobs.

The reports can be viewed at the following link: http://www.state.gov/e/eb/rls/othr/ics/index.htm






Press Releases: Three Pipeline Presidential Permits Issued for U.S.- Mexico Pipelines


Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

Washington, DC

June 29, 2017


Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Judith G. Garber has issued Presidential permits for three NuStar Logistics, L.P. pipelines.

The permit for the New Burgos Pipeline authorizes construction, connection, operation, and maintenance of a new pipeline that has the capacity to deliver up to 108,000 barrels per day of certain refined petroleum products. It will cross the U.S.-Mexico border near Peñitas, Texas. New permits for the existing Dos Laredos and existing Burgos pipelines, which cross the border in Texas near Laredo and Peñitas, respectively, reflect a change in the name of the permit holder and authorize transport of a broader range of petroleum products than under the previous Presidential permits.

The Department of State reviewed NuStar Logistics, L.P.’s applications in accordance with Executive Order 13337 (April 30, 2004). As a matter of policy, the Department’s reviews were conducted in a manner consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act and the Department determined with respect to each application that implementation of the proposed project would have no significant direct, indirect, or cumulative effects on the quality of the natural or human environment.

In making her determination with respect to each application that issuance of the respective permit would serve the national interest, the Acting Assistant Secretary considered a range of factors, including but not limited to foreign policy; energy security; environmental, cultural, and economic impacts; and compliance with applicable law and policy. Among other considerations, the Acting Assistant Secretary found that issuance of each of the three Presidential permits would strengthen the bilateral relationship with Mexico and advance the economic and foreign policy interests of the United States.

Additional information concerning these pipeline facilities and documents related to the Department of State’s review of applications for Presidential permits can be found at https://www.state.gov/e/enr/applicant/applicants/.

For further information, please contact Vincent Campos (202) 647-3423 or visit www.state.gov/e/enr. The Bureau of Energy Resources is on Twitter @EnergyAtState.