Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment Jose W. Fernandez will travel to Atlanta, Georgia February 20-21, 2024, to showcase the State Department's work on the clean energy transition and supply chain resilience in the United States, and to see firsthand the impact that diplomacy has in promoting economic security and prosperity for Georgians and Americans across the country.
In Atlanta, Under Secretary Fernandez will highlight the Department's efforts to address vulnerabilities that directly impact the American people - including efforts to secure critical minerals for the development of EV batteries in Georgia's growing clean energy sector.
During his trip, the Under Secretary will highlight U.S. foreign policy efforts to deepen economic and energy cooperation with countries overseas to create American jobs and to increase trade and investment in the United States. He will also showcase large-scale foreign direct investment from partners and allies, such as the Republic of Korea, in the rapidly growing emerging technology and clean energy sectors. The Biden Administration's priority to secure critical minerals supply chains is key to supporting Georgia's businesses and technologies essential to the clean energy transition.
He looks forward to meeting with Mayor Andre Dickens, visiting the Hanwha Q Cells Solar Panel Factory in Dalton, Georgia and engaging with the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce and business leaders. At the World Affairs Council of Atlanta, the Under Secretary will discuss the impact of diplomacy on Atlanta and the increasing role of cities and states in U.S. foreign policy. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he will discuss international collaboration on monitoring and preventing infectious diseases.
Under Secretary Fernandez and the newly created Office of Subnational Diplomacy have formed key connections with city, county, state, and community leaders in Atlanta and Georgia, elevating their voices on the international stage, and ensuring that their perspectives are reflected in U.S. foreign policy by delivering tangible benefits to local communities and creating good-paying jobs around the country.
To stay up to date, follow Under Secretary Fernandez on X: @State_E, LinkedIn: @State-E
