U.S. joins International Renewable Energy Agency

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States joined the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) on Monday as part of the Obama administration's commitment to developing a new energy policy, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said.

IRENA was established in January to promote development of the renewable energy industry worldwide. To date, 135 nations have joined the global organization that will be headquartered in the United Arab Emirates.

"Our government's participation is an important element of the administration's effort to support clean energy technologies and the development of low carbon economies to address global climate change," Clinton said in a statement.

Clinton added that the new agency would help ensure that global resources are put to maximum effect, especially in response to the needs of the developing world.