November 15, 2007
Doer Signs Agreement With Midwestern U.S. States To Promote Clean Energy
MILWAUKEE, Wis.¾Premier Gary Doer today joined governors from across the midwestern U.S. in signing an agreement to pursue new initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy production and use.
The Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Summit, organized by the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA), brought together leaders in a region with a diverse mix of energy sources and production to discuss renewable energy and alternative fuels, energy efficiency and a reliable regional electric grid.
Doer, who was invited to join midwestern governors at the summit, noted the importance of Canada as the single-largest supplier of energy to the U.S. He also highlighted Manitoba’s role as the largest provider of clean, renewable hydroelectric power.
“As leaders, we need to take advantage of the full range of options available to us when looking at our future energy needs,” Doer said. “Lowering the carbon emissions produced by our region will require a combination of energy sources and technologies including clean, renewable hydro power. We need to look at these sources of green energy as complementary not competing solutions.”
At the summit, Doer joined governors in signing two agreements to promote renewable energy and climate stewardship.
The first, the Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform, encourages the development of hydro power, wind, biofuels, geothermal and other renewable energy sources, as well as specific efforts to increase energy efficiency.
The second, the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, will establish regional targets for reducing greenhouse gases as well as a regional cap and trade mechanism for carbon emissions.
“Manitoba supports the need for measurable targets to reduce our carbon footprint,” Doer added. “I applaud the midwestern governors for this important step to address climate change and promote clean energy options.”
At the signing, the premier also noted the importance of sharing best practices being developed in the region on energy efficiency and innovation in renewable technologies. In Manitoba, investments and initiatives aimed at going green have not only achieved environmental benefits but have also brought economic growth and opportunities to the province. Manitoba’s growing environmental industry generates more than 5,400 full-time equivalent jobs and generates $350 million in earnings annually.
The energy summit was co-hosted by Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, chair of the MGA, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, immediate past chair of the MGA and current chair of the National Governors Association. The purpose of the MGA is to foster regional development and facilitate the exchange of views and best practices on subjects of general importance to the people of the midwestern U.S. states.
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