Clinton: 'Energy diplomacy' central to US foreign policy

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will make the case Thursday that “energy diplomacy” is central to U.S. foreign policy.

The Wall Street Journal got a look at the speech that Clinton will give Thursday afternoon at Georgetown University.

“Today, energy cuts across the entirety of U.S. foreign policy. It is a matter of national security and global stability. It is at the heart of the global economy. It's an issue of democracy and human rights,” Clinton intends to say, the paper reported. “It has been a top concern of mine as secretary. And it is sure to be the same for the next secretary of State.”

Clinton is “expected to stress the role that U.S. energy production, coupled with U.S. diplomatic efforts, has played in ratcheting up sanctions on Iran,” the Journal reports.

Clinton, who has said she will not serve a second term even if President Obama wins, has boosted State’s focus on energy.

Last year State launched its Bureau of Energy Resources, aimed at helping ensure “adequate and affordable supplies,” keeping markets stable, aiding access to supplies in poor countries and boosting transparency, among other goals.

Clinton has been a vocal supporter of controversial Securities and Exchange Commission transparency rules that will force SEC-listed petroleum and mining companies to disclose their payments to foreign governments.

In addition, State in recent years has been working to help other nations develop their shale gas resources. Shale gas development in the U.S. has helped push domestic production to record highs.

Increased natural gas development could help some nations increase their leverage by lessening reliance on Russia, which is a major supplier to European countries.

“We have an interest in resolving disputes among nations over energy, and ensuring that countries don't use their energy resources, or proximity to transit routes, to force others to bend to their will or forgive their bad behavior,” Clinton’s speech states.