On June 23, 2005, the Republic of Korea officially became a member of the international Methane to Markets Partnership. Korea joins the United States and 13 other countries in efforts to advance the cost-effective, near-term recovery and use of methane – a potent greenhouse gas – as a clean energy source.

The Methane to Markets Partnership, which was launched in November 2004, is a public-private partnership that brings together the technical and market expertise, financing, and technology necessary to advance methane recovery and use projects at landfills, coal mines and oil and gas systems. Member\ countries work in collaboration with the private sector, multilateral development banks, and other governmental and non-governmental organizations through the Partnership's Project Network. Currently, more than 120 organizations from around the world have made commitments to this partnership. In addition to South Korea, countries participating in Methane to Markets include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In announcing the country's decision to join Methane to Markets, Dr. Young-Woo Park, Director General of the International Cooperation Bureau in the Ministry of Environment of South Korea, noted the possible benefits expected from the partnership: "By participating in this exciting international initiative, the Republic of Korea will be able to enhance our energy independence, preserve economic growth, improve air quality and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. We are happy to become a Methane to Markets Partner."

EPA is coordinating the actions of several federal partners including the State Department, Department of Energy, US Agency for International Development, and the Trade and Development Agency. To learn more about Methane to Markets visit: http://www.epa.gov/methanetomarkets/ .

Contact: John Millett 202-564-4355/ millett.john@epa.gov