Alberta has become the first non-U.S. state to join a United States energy pact featuring 12 states that had already signed onto the coalition.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith made the announcement Thursday, personally thanking Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu for inviting her, along with President-elect Donald Trump. Smith also thanked the other ten governors involved.
Smith said that Alberta’s role in North American energy security is vital as the largest crude oil and natural gas supplier to the United States.
“With 200 billion barrels of recoverable oil, 200 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas, significant natural gas liquids and ample pore space for carbon capture, Alberta’s contribution is set to grow even further as we look to work with the Trump Administration and other U.S. partners to increase our pipeline capacity to our greatest friend and ally, the United States,” said Smith. “We are proud to collaborate with this coalition of allied states in advancing energy security, reliability and affordability for Americans and Canadians.”
Trump’s re-election has re-ignited conversations about the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project capable of transporting up to 830,000 barrels of Alberta oil daily to the United States and contributing $2.4 billion to Canada’s GDP and $30 billion in tax and royalty revenues.
Alberta currently accounts for 56% of oil imports into the United States, double Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq combined.
Landry said that the pact’s members share the goal of enhancing and protecting energy security, which he said will lead to lower energy costs, increased reliability, sustainable economic development, and wise management of energy resources and the environment.
“I welcome Premier Smith and the insights she will bring as the leader from a fellow energy-producing province that, like my state, is under a federal system of government where national imperatives are not always aligned with state or provincial interests,” said Landry.
The United States is the largest trading partner with Alberta, having $188 billion in bilateral trade in 2023. Energy products accounted for more than 80%, approximately $133.6 billion, of Alberta’s exports to the United States in 2023.
Alberta is a global leader in emissions reduction technologies and clean energy solutions.
“The province has captured about 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide through carbon capture, utilization and storage technology, and has the ability to support the U.S. in developing new infrastructure and supply chains for future energy markets in the areas of hydrogen, renewables, small modular reactors and others,” reads Alberta’s press release.
The newly renamed Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security listed its goals in the press release issued by the Governor of Louisiana.
“They are to ensure families and businesses have the right to choose the energy they need, to minimize permitting and other regulatory barriers, limit expensive energy mandates, focus on affordability and reliability of energy infrastructure, and to coordinate to positively manage energy resources and the environment,” reads the press release.
Former Liberal finance minister Bill Morneau recently called on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to reconsider his existing policies like the oil and gas cap and begin to prioritize defence, tech, and energy.
Smith issued an additional statement on Friday, saying she won’t wait for the Liberals to strengthen energy trade and that she and Alberta will do it themselves.
“Alberta’s energy sector is a cornerstone of North America’s prosperity and we’re ready to work with our partners in the United States, especially @realDonaldTrump, to ensure that remains true,” said Smith. “Alberta’s resources are critical to energy security, economic growth, and the strong ties between our countries. Together, we can build a future that benefits both sides of the border—because when Alberta succeeds, the United States thrives. Let’s power that future, hand in hand.”
The 12 signatory states included in the energy pact are Louisiana, New Hampshire, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, South Dakota, Mississippi, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and Virginia.