Deputy Secretary of Energy Poneman Visits Japan

July 27 - Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel B. Poneman visited Japan July 23-25 to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Bilateral Commission on Civil Nuclear Cooperation, a joint initiative that President Obama and Prime Minister Noda announced in Washington in April. The Commission fosters comprehensive strategic dialogue and joint activities related to the safe and secure implementation of civil nuclear energy and the response to the Fukushima nuclear accident such as decommissioning and decontamination.

In a speech at the Japan National Press Club, Deputy Secretary Poneman said, "I applaud Japan's initial efforts to improve nuclear safety and security and to enact regulatory reform following the accident at Fukushima ... These efforts underscore Japan's commitment to learning from the Fukushima accident, and to responsible nuclear stewardship. They represent the first steps in promoting a safety and security culture that permeates the nuclear industry and related organizations and provides transparency across government agencies, industry, and civil society."

During his visit, Deputy Secretary Poneman also met with high-level Japanese government officials including Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano and Environment Minister Goshi Hosono.