GOVERNORS’ ETHANOL COALITION WELCOMES MEXICO AND CANADA AS MEMBERS

GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- Governor Thompson representing the twenty-two state Governors’ Ethanol Coalition signed alliance agreements with Mexico and Canada. The international coalition includes governors from the United States, Brazil, and Sweden as well as Mexico and Canada.

Governor Alberto Cardenas Jimenez signed on behalf of the four states included in the Mexican Governors’ Ethanol Coalition. Cardenas, from the State of Jalisco, will chair the efforts and will be joined by Tabasco Governor Licenciado Roberto Madrazo, Mexico Federal District Governor Injeniero Cuauhtemoc Cardenas, and Campeche Governor L.A. Antonio Gonzalez Curi. The agreements commit the parties to work together in an alliance to expand the production and the use of ethanol worldwide, to expand global economic development, clean the environment, and improve the international balance of trade through expanded use of ethanol.

Patrice La Fleur, General Delegate to Mexico represented Prime Minister Bouchard of Quebec. Governor Horndlund of Sweden signed on behalf of the Swedish Governors; Secretary of State Antonio Carlos Mendes Thame represented Governor Covas of Sao Paulo State of Brazil.

The five nation members will work together by sharing research and development, exploring import/export joint venturing, increasing international public awareness of the benefit of ethanol fuels and creating an international economic climate for the expansion of ethanol fuel.

Governor Thompson stated, "I am thrilled at the announcements by Jalisco and the Mexico City Federal District to use ethanol. The need to clean up atmospheric conditions is shared by all that live on this continent. I pledge to work closely with our friends from South and North of our U.S. borders to assist with their efforts. I pledge to assist these great governors and premiers in their efforts to develop a clean burning renewable fuel market in their respective states."

Governor Thompson added, "I enjoyed my visit with Governor Cardenas, it gave us a chance to discuss free trade and other issues. He is a dynamic leader and his staff did a great job organizing the events in Guadalajara."