Wal-Mart, Clinton partner on climate issue

SEATTLE Wal-Mart Stores is partnering with the Clinton Climate Initiative to help bring environmentally-friendly technologies to cities across the United States and around the world.

According to the groups, they will explore ways to use their purchasing resources to lower prices on sustainable technologies such as energy efficient building materials and systems, energy efficient lighting and clean energy products.

The partnership was announced by former President Bill Clinton at the United States Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Summit in Seattle. In addition to the partnership with Wal-Mart, President Clinton announced that the Clinton Climate Initiative will extend its programs and purchasing consortium to all 1,100 cities represented by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The consortium includes the C40 Climate Leadership Group, representing 40 of the world's largest cities.

"This shows what can be achieved when business, government and the non-profit sector work together on some of the biggest challenges facing the world today," said Lee Scott, president and ceo of Wal-Mart Stores. "By combining our resources, we can help drive innovation, create new technology markets and ultimately reduce this country's dependence on foreign oil."