Sep 5, 2025 | Published by Red Deer News Now
Danielle Smith (Government of Alberta)
Premier Danielle Smith will travel to Colorado next week with the intention of advancing Alberta as an energy partner, promote collaboration and reinforce Alberta’s role in North American energy security.
From Sept. 7–9, Smith will be in Colorado to engage with senior U.S. officials and industry leaders to highlight Alberta’s competitive advantages in energy and the province’s skilled workforce, and promote Alberta’s growing strengths in technology and innovation.
The premier is scheduled to host a business roundtable with U.S. industry representatives in energy, manufacturing, technology, financial services and more, with the hopes of strengthening cross-border partnerships. During the mission, the premier is also expected to meet with agriculture and energy industry representatives and will deliver a keynote address to the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) Fall Board Meeting.
“When Alberta energy flows south, families and businesses on both sides of the border benefit,” says Smith. “The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers and its members have been strong advocates for keeping Alberta energy moving freely to U.S. refineries.”
““Alberta is driving innovation in emerging technologies like carbon capture, hydrogen and geothermal that are shaping the future of energy security.””
“My message in Colorado is clear,” continues Smith. “Alberta is not just a supplier. We are a partner, determined to advance North American energy security and prosperity together.”
The AFPM is described as a leading trade association representing a membership of 450 energy companies across the U.S. The organization and its members are said to have played a valuable role in advocating for the importance of continuing to receive Alberta crude to American refineries, and the devastating impact that energy tariffs would have on American jobs.
Government officials say mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.
Alberta government quick facts
The U.S. is Alberta’s largest trading partner, and Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter to the U.S. after Ontario.
In 2024, Alberta’s exports to the U.S. totalled $162.1 billion, accounting for 88.7 per cent of total provincial exports. The U.S. is also an important source of industrial inputs and consumer goods for the province.
Bilateral trade with Colorado totalled more than $5.9 billion in 2024.
Energy products accounted for about $133.4 billion, 82.3 per cent of Alberta’s exports to the U.S. in 2024.
In 2024, Premier Danielle Smith and Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a memorandum of understanding to align and improve regulation, enhance collaboration and increase information sharing on best practices in key energy and environmental areas including carbon capture, utilization and storage, methane emission reduction, hydrogen development and geothermal energy.
Alberta is the top global supplier of energy products to the U.S., accounting for 56 per cent of all oil imports to the U.S. – twice as much as Mexico, Saudi Arabia and Iraq combined.
Itinerary for Premier Smith*
Sept 7
Travel to Denver, Colorado.
Sept. 8
Meet with industry leaders and government officials in Denver.
Engage directly with U.S. energy leaders at the AFPM Meeting.
Sept. 9
Provide a keynote address at the AFPM Meeting.
Travel to Alberta.
by rdnewsNOW Staff