Latin America largely lacks policies that promote investment in alternative energy. Writing in Perspectiva, AS/COA's Mateo Samper highlights successful initiatives in the region that offer models for supporting renewable energy on a wider scale. (en español)

This working paper explores energy and climate issues in Brazil and elaborates on recommendations regarding biofuels, the country's environmental profile, and prospects for a U.S.-Brazilian energy partnership.

Citing inefficiencies, poor service, and bloated costs, the government of Mexican President Felipe Calderón dissolved the country's second biggest electric company on October 11. But even as the move drew cheers, it also drew protests from unions and congressional opponents.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited the Oval Office this week to talk security, trade, energy, and hockey. Ottawa's discomfort with "Buy American" provisions also caused Harper to make a rare trip to Capitol Hill, where he met with U.S. congressional leaders.

With elections in December, the next president of Chile will, like counterparts across the region, face challenges to ensure the country’s continued socioeconomic prosperity. Santiago looks to renewable energy, liquid natural gas, and potentially nuclear power to satisfy its energy needs.

Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s meeting with Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva gave the leaders of the two biggest Latin American economies the chance to talk about boosting cooperation on trade and energy.

The presidents of Paraguay and Brazil signed an accord that puts the former on more equal footing with its neighbor in the sale of electricity produced at the jointly owned Itaipu hydroeletric dam.