Energy Policy (Including Applying for Pipeline Permits; plus Non-Agricultural Commodities)

Office of International Energy and Commodity Policy (IEC)

This part of the Energy, Sanctions, and Commodities (ESC) deputate is responsible for coordination and implementation of U.S. international energy and nonagricultural commodity policy, including the recommendations of the National Energy Policy. It follows oil, natural gas, and strategic commodity market developments around the world, primarily through bilateral and multilateral engagement with leading importing and exporting countries, including in the International Energy Forum, which brings together leading oil producing and consuming countries.

The office's Division for Energy Producing Countries (EPC) coordinates the Department's liaison with major energy producing countries and organizations, and participates in dialogue with energy producers through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Working Group, the Hemispheric Energy Cooperation Initiative, the North American Energy Working Group, the Energy Consultative Mechanism with Canada, and bilateral meetings with other key energy producing states. The division monitors national and global energy security, as well as world oil market and Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries developments; serves as a point of advocacy to promote oil and gas field equipment, services, and exports; and assists U.S. energy investors abroad. EPC also processes Presidential Permit applications for petroleum, petroleum product, and liquid pipelines crossing U.S. borders.

The office's Division for Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) represents the United States and prepares U.S. positions, with the Department of Energy, for all International Energy Agency meetings. The division also follows energy developments in Europe, Asia, and Africa; changes in the oil, gas, nuclear, coal, and renewable energy markets that affect U.S. and global energy consumers; nonagricultural commodities; and the nexus of economic growth, environmental protection, and energy security.