THE INDUSTRY CONSULTATIONS PROGRAM INDUSTRY SECTOR ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENERGY FOR TRADE POLICY MATTERS

Background Information
The Industry Sector Advisory Committee (ISAC) on Energy is comprised of industry representatives from the energy sector that includes energy products such as oil and gas extraction, electric services, pipelines (natural gas), and lubricants. International efforts to monitor the effects of energy use present a forum for nations to increase efficiency in the industry while protecting the environment. A global economy also offers U.S. businesses the opportunity to export their services to new markets. U.S. firms in the energy sector involved in commercial exchanges often encounter problems such as tariff and non-tariff barriers or discriminatory procurement practices. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) and the Department of Commerce recognize this and seek the advice of the private sector as they address the many policy and legal issues raised by international agreements pertaining to the energy industry.

Industry representatives serving on the Energy ISAC provide advice on trade policy matters. Recently, members of the Energy ISAC have provided advice on a range of issues that included: the primary export activity of the industry; services; and, the corresponding organizations that determine guidelines for international trade in the energy sector. The Committee provided recommendations on the mandated World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations, especially with regard to the definition of energy services and the scheduled trade commitments. Under the FreeTrade Area of the Americas (FTAA), the Committee advised on foreign investment and regulatory development for energy services. Furthermore, Energy ISAC members advocated tariff elimination under the Early Voluntary Sectoral Liberalization (EVSL) of the APEC, and supported the Advanced Tariff Liberalization (ATL).

Industry representatives serving on the ISAC on Energy have a voice in U.S. trade policy formulation through the Industry Consultations Program (ICP), which emerged from the 1974 Trade Act, to ensure that trade negotiators were coordinating with the private sector during trade negotiations. Based on the program's success, the ICP was renewed and expanded by the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 and the Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988. The Department of Commerce, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), and other agencies work side-by-side with business leaders who serve as advisors to the U.S. Government. The Department of Commerce and USTR have joint responsibility for operating the advisory committees of the ICP.

Eligibility for Membership on the Energy ISAC
Committee members are U.S. citizens representing U.S. manufacturing or service firms in the energy industry, trade internationally, and have a special interest in and knowledge of international trade issues. Representatives of industry associations may also participate. Additional information can be found on the Industry Consultations Program's website at www.ita.doc.gov/icp or by contacting:

The Industry Consultations Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
14th & Constitution Avenue NW, Room 2015-B
Washington, DC 20230
phone: (202) 482-3268; fax: (202) 482-4452
e-mail: Trade_Advisory_Center@ita.doc.gov