News
You can find the latest news on the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord here.
Governor Doyle Announces Climate Change
Partnership with Manitoba
December 16, 2009 -
Governor Jim Doyle and Manitoban Premier Greg Selinger today
announced Wisconsin and Manitoba will host bilateral workshops
on building a green economy as a first step towards implementing
the Memorandum of Understanding signed in October. The agreement
was made at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in
Copenhagen, Denmark.
Click
here for entire release.
Governor Doyle to Join Delegation in
Copenhagen
December 2, 2009 - Governor Jim Doyle
announced today that he is joining a delegation of Governors and
Premiers from around the world at the United Nations Climate
Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark
from December 14-18, 2009. Governor Doyle will showcase Wisconsin as a leader in clean-energy jobs,
renewable energy, energy efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
“With a global focus on climate change,
Wisconsin
is well positioned to become a worldwide leader in a clean
energy economy,” Governor Doyle said. “We have the hardest
workers and high end manufacturers, the brightest researchers
and some of the best natural resources in the world. By
advancing renewable fuels and alternative energy, we can create
jobs in Wisconsin and take on the
pressing challenge of climate change.”
At the conference, Governor Doyle will work
with business, governmental and environmental leaders from
around the world to advocate for an agreement that recognizes
the important role of states like
Wisconsin
in a global solution to climate change. The Governor will also
meet with business leaders to discuss opportunities for green
companies to expand their operations and create jobs in
Wisconsin.
Click
here for entire release.
EPA Finalizes the Nation’s First Greenhouse
Gas Reporting System
September 22, 2009 -
On
January 1, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will,
for the first time, require large emitters of heat-trapping
emissions to
begin collecting greenhouse gas (GHG) data under a
new reporting system. This new program will cover approximately
85 percent of the nation’s GHG emissions and apply to roughly
10,000 facilities.
EPA’s new reporting system will
provide a better understanding of where GHGs are coming from and
will guide development of the best possible policies and
programs to reduce emissions. The data will also allow
businesses to track their own emissions, compare them to similar
facilities, and provide assistance in identifying cost effective
ways to reduce emissions in the future. This comprehensive,
nationwide emissions data will help in the fight against climate
change.
More information on the new reporting system
and reporting requirements:
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ghgrulemaking.html
Governor Doyle Announces Nonprofit
Organization to Promote Greenhouse Gas Reduction
July 17, 2009 - Governor Jim Doyle today announced
the creation of a new nonprofit organization, the Wisconsin
Climate Change Action Initiative, Inc. (WCCAI), to build on
Wisconsin’s strong efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Formation of the nonprofit organization was recommended in the
report from Governor Doyle’s Task Force on Global Warming as a
way to build upon Wisconsin’s national leadership on climate
change.
“The Wisconsin Climate Change Action
Initiative brings together leaders of business, government,
non-governmental advocacy organizations and the research
community to increase voluntary conservation practices that will
save money and have positive environmental impacts,” Governor
Doyle said. “As we continue to move forward on the
recommendations of my Global Warming Task Force will we be
building our economy with clean and renewable energy, growing
green jobs, and finding savings through energy conservation.”
Click here
for entire press release
EPA Grants California GHG Waiver
June 30 , 2009 - EPA is granting California's
waiver request enabling the state to enforce its greenhouse gas
emissions standards for new motor vehicles, beginning with the
current model year. Using the law and science as its guide, EPA
has taken this action to tackle air pollution and protect human
health.
"This decision puts the law and
science first. After review of the scientific findings, and
another comprehensive round of public engagement, I have decided
this is the appropriate course under the law," said EPA
Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "This waiver is consistent with
the Clean Air Act as it's been used for the last 40 years and
supports the prerogatives of the 13 states and the District of
Columbia who have opted to follow California's lead. More
importantly, this decision reinforces the historic agreement on
nationwide emissions standards developed by a broad coalition of
industry, government and environmental stakeholders earlier this
year."
White House Releases Report on Climate Change
Impacts
June 16, 2009 - Today, the
White House helped to launch a new science report representing a
consensus of 13 agencies developed over a year and half and
focused on potential climate change impacts on the United
States.
The report notes climate change impacts that we are already
seeing across the U.S. as well as those that will soon emerge or
become more intense if action is slow to occur.
Click
here to view the report.
Advisory Group Completes Draft Final
Recommendations
June 8, 2009 – The Midwestern Greenhouse Gas
Reduction Accord Advisory Group has finalized their
recommendations. The governors are now reviewing the
recommendations to offer their input on next steps to be taken
in the region and at the federal level. The
recommendations are from the advisory group only, and have not
been endorsed or approved by individual Governors.
Governor’s views may vary on individual aspects of the
recommendations.
Click
here to access the recommendations.
Governors’ Energy and Climate Coalition Calls
for Action on Climate, Energy Legislation
May 21, 2009 - The newly formed Governors’
Energy and Climate Coalition, representing 30 states and
territories, today pledged to work with Congress to pass
legislation that will address climate change and provide the
nation with a comprehensive energy strategy. The bipartisan
group of Governors outlined two principles – supporting
comprehensive federal policy and advocating an active
state-federal partnership – which the coalition would promote
“at every opportunity.”
“States are where the green
economy is being built,” the Governors said, pledging to work
with Congress and the Administration “to develop a strong
state-federal partnership to create and preserve our jobs and
industry, keep the United States competitive abroad, and at the
same time address climate change threats.”
The coalition states include: California,
Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa,
Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New
Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina,
Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont,
Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as the territories
of Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Click here for Governors' Statement of Principles
Governor Doyle Releases Plans for Biomass
Projects
May 19, 2009 -
Governor Jim Doyle today released plans to build one of the
largest biomass projects in the nation and create construction
and green energy jobs. A report issued today is the final
step in analyzing how to move forward in providing steam and
electricity to the UW-Madison campus and to steam to heat and
cool state office buildings in downtown Madison. Governor Doyle
last year announced plans to stop burning coal at state-owned
heating plants on Madison’s Isthmus.
“This plan provides the roadmap
for how we will change the way energy is produced and provided
on Madison’s Isthmus,” Governor Jim Doyle said. “The
projects will create jobs, at first in the construction sector,
and then long term, as we create markets for alternative energy
sources in Wisconsin, with the added bonus of significantly
lowering greenhouse gas emissions from two state heating
plants.”
Click here for release and report.
RGGI Trading Volumes Grow in First Quarter of
2009
May 7, 2009 - A report released today by the
states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
shows that the secondary market for RGGI CO2 allowances
continues to mature. The report, which addresses trading in the
first quarter of 2009, finds no evidence of anti-competitive
conduct and identifies increased market participation and
trading volumes as a "sign of competitiveness and efficiency."
Governor Daniels Declares April 13–18
“Indiana Wind Energy Week”
April 13, 2009– Following an announcement from
the American Wind Energy Association that Indiana is the
fastest-growing state for wind energy installations in 2008 and
planned groundbreaking events for two new wind farms in the
state, Governor Mitch Daniels declared April 13-18 as “Indiana
Wind Energy Week.”
“We welcome the news that Indiana is the
fastest-growing state for wind power energy. We’ve made
homegrown clean energy production a priority, and we are proud
to become a leader in new wind energy installations,” said
Daniels.
Two groundbreaking ceremonies for wind energy
projects totaling 306 megawatts (MW) recently took place in
Benton and White counties. Horizon Wind Energy broke ground on a
200 MW project in White County, and enXco has begun work on a
106 MW project in Benton County.
Indiana currently has 130 MW of commercially
available wind energy installed. With the completion of these
two projects and the 400 MW Fowler Ridge Wind Farm in Benton and
Tippecanoe counties under development by BP Alternative Energy
and Dominion Resources, Indiana could have a total of 836 MW of
commercially available wind energy installed by the end of 2009.
This would move Indiana past such traditional wind-producing
states as South Dakota and Wyoming.
A copy of the proclamation can be found at
this address:
http://www.in.gov/gov/files/Press/WindEnergyWeek.pdf
RGGI States Honored by U.S. EPA
April 22, 2009 - The ten Northeast and
Mid-Atlantic states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas
Initiative (RGGI) yesterday were awarded a Climate Protection
Award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA). The award recognizes RGGI as a model for federal climate
legislation and honors each state as a global leader in
protecting the climate.
The Climate Protection Awards were
presented at an annual awards ceremony held in Washington, DC.
The EPA recognized the RGGI states
for their leadership in building a model cap-and-trade program
to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Each participating state has implemented rules
to cap emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel-fired power
plants. Together, the RGGI states auction over eighty percent of
allowances and dedicate the proceeds to consumer benefit
programs. To date, the RGGI states have conducted three auctions
that have generated over $262 million for energy efficiency,
energy conservation, clean energy development, and other
consumer benefit programs throughout the region.
EPA Finds Greenhouse Gases Pose Threat to
Public Health, Welfare
April 17, 2009 - After a thorough
scientific review ordered in 2007 by the U.S. Supreme Court, the
Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed finding Friday
that greenhouse gases contribute to air pollution that may
endanger public health or welfare.
The proposed finding, which now moves to a public
comment period, identified six greenhouse gases that pose a
potential threat.
“This finding confirms that greenhouse gas
pollution is a serious problem now and for future generations.
Fortunately, it follows President Obama’s call for a low
carbon economy and strong leadership in Congress on clean energy
and climate legislation,” said Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.
“This pollution problem has a solution – one that will create
millions of green jobs and end our country’s dependence on
foreign oil.”
As the proposed endangerment finding
states, “In both magnitude and probability, climate change is an
enormous problem.
The greenhouse gases that are responsible for it endanger public
health and welfare within the meaning of the Clean Air Act.”
Click here for more information.
Obama Administration to Hold Climate and
Energy Meeting
April 8, 2009 - On March 28, President Obama
announced the launch of the Major Economies Forum on Energy and
Climate.
The Major Economies Forum will facilitate a
candid dialogue among key developed and developing countries,
help generate the political leadership necessary to achieve a
successful outcome at the UN climate change negotiations that
will convene this December in Copenhagen, and advance the
exploration of concrete initiatives and joint ventures that
increase the supply of clean energy while cutting greenhouse gas
emissions.
President Obama has invited the leaders of 16
major economies and the Secretary General of the United Nations
to designate representatives to participate in a preparatory
session at the Department of State on April 27-28 in Washington,
D.C. The preparatory sessions will culminate in a Major
Economies Forum Leaders’ meeting, which Prime Minister
Berlusconi has agreed to host in La Maddalena, Italy, in July
2009.
Accord Advisory Group Visits CCS, EOR Site
The Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord
Advisory Group met March 31-April 1 in Traverse City,
Michigan to continue their work. In addition to the meeting,
many advisory group members were able to come early to take part
in a site visit of Core Energy’s work on carbon capture and
storage and enhanced oil recovery in Michigan.
For more information on carbon capture and
storage (CCS) and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts by Core
Energy please click
here.
Congressmen Waxman and Markey Release Draft of
Energy Legislation
Chairman Henry A. Waxman of the
House Energy and
Commerce Committee and Chairman Edward J. Markey of the
Energy and Environment Subcommittee today released a draft of
clean energy legislation that will create jobs, help end our
dangerous dependence on foreign oil, and combat global warming.
The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES) is a
comprehensive approach to America’s energy policy that charts a
new course towards a clean energy economy.
“This legislation will create millions of
clean energy jobs, put America on the path to energy
independence, and cut global warming pollution.” said Chairman
Waxman. “Our goal is to strengthen our economy by making America
the world leader in new clean energy and energy efficiency
technologies.”
To view summary of legislation,
click here.
For full draft text,
click here.
Advisory Group Member Roger Johnson Elected
NFU President
March 26, 2009 - Roger Johnson of North Dakota
was elected earlier this month as president of the National
Farmers Union (NFU). Johnson is the first NFU president to be
from the state. Prior to his election, Johnson was North Dakota
Agriculture Commissioner and is a member of the Accord's
Advisory Group.
According to its website, NFU was founded in
1902 and today has a membership of 250,000 farm and ranch
families, with organized chapters in 32 states. NFU
continues its original mission to protect and enhance the
economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers and
ranchers and their rural communities.
To learn more about Johnson or the NFU,
click here to visit its website.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Announces
Recovery Act Funding for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction
March 24, 2009 - The U.S. Secretary of
Transportation today announced the availability of $100 million
in federal funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act, 2009 for the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and
Energy Reduction grant program.
Projects will compete for a portion of the
funds on the basis of how much their proposed capital investment
is expected to reduce either energy consumption or greenhouse
gases, or both.
“This grant program establishes the transit
industry as a leader in reducing America’s dependence on foreign
oil, addressing global climate change and creating green jobs,”
said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Click here
for further information
ECOS Releases Report on Regional Climate
Initiatives
March 19, 2009 - The
Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) has released a report
that summarizes the work to-date of the three regional climate
initiatives--the
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the Western Climate
Initiative and Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord.
To
access the report, click
here.
Governor Doyle Works to Fight Climate Change,
Develop National Clean Energy Policy
March 2, 2009 - Governor Jim Doyle is in
Washington, D.C. today and tomorrow to meet with President
Obama’s energy, environment and agriculture cabinet to build
upon current state, national, and international efforts to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote low carbon
technologies, and build jobs in the energy and agricultural
sectors.
“It’s
great to have a partner in the White House that is committed to
moving forward on policies that will improve our air, create
jobs for hardworking families, and protect our environment for
generations to come,” Governor Doyle said. “I look forward to
meeting with members of the Obama administration as well as
other national and international leaders to discuss how we can
work together on these important issues.”
For
entire release,
click here.
Manitoba Launches Site to Outline Climate
Change Response
February 25, 2009 - The province of Manitoba
has recently partnered with the Canadian Standards Association
and the Canadian Climate Exchange to create
www.GreenRegistry.org.
The site is engineered to provide organizations and individuals
with the information, guidance and tools needed to respond to
climate change.
The Canadian province has set into motion a
plethora of initiatives with businesses and communities to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These activities include
devoting resources toward knowledge, promoting technology
development and innovation, and encouraging action in all
sectors of the economy.
Govs. Doyle and Sebelius Join Fellow Governors
to Offer Climate Change Partnership with President Obama
January 29, 2009 -
Governor Jim
Doyle today signed a letter to President Obama to encourage a
strong state-federal partnership in promoting clean energy and
tackling global climate challenges. Governor Doyle, joined by
Governors Schwarzenegger (California), Rell (Connecticut),
Crist (Florida), Sebelius (Kansas),
O’Malley (Maryland), Patrick (Massachusetts), Corzine (New Jersey),
Richardson (New Mexico),
Paterson (New York), Gregoire (Washington), and Kulongoski (Oregon), offered to meet
with the President and his energy and environmental cabinet to
develop a comprehensive national plan that builds on the
momentum of strong state policies.
“Taking on the challenge of climate change, improving our energy
security and growing jobs in a clean energy economy are all
closely linked, and it is imperative that we build the
partnerships necessary to advance this work,” Governor Doyle
said. “In the absence of strong federal climate change policy, Wisconsin and many other
states have led by example. We look forward to working with the
Obama Administration to strengthen our combined efforts to
promote clean energy that creates jobs, confront climate change
and develop renewable energy policies.”
The bipartisan group of Governors applauded President Obama’s
federal climate change and clean energy policies and urged a
dynamic partnership that reduces greenhouse gas emissions that
cause global warming and focuses on green jobs, renewable
energy, alternative fuels, and energy efficiency.
Click Here for Release
Iowa Office of Energy Independence Releases
2008 Plan for Energy Independence
December 18, 2009 -
The Office of Energy Independence released
the “2008 Plan for Energy Independence,” with recommendations
for best practices related to efficiency and energy production
statewide. The
Office of Energy Independence, (OEI) issued its first annual
energy plan in fall of 2007; since then, the OEI has received
more than 160 pre-applications, proposing nearly $1 billion in
private-sector investment in renewable energy and job creation.
This year’s plan is available on the Office of Energy
Independence’s website, at
http://www.energy.iowa.gov .
“Iowa’s
natural resources, innovation, and work ethic provide a solid
foundation for us to lead in this new energy economy,” said
Governor Chet Culver. “Most important, research and development
into energy efficiency, renewable energy, and next-generation
biofuels is leading to job growth in every corner of Iowa.”
Click Here for Release
Accord Draft Recommendations Document Updated
November 3, 2008 - The document with Draft Recommendations
for the Accord has been updated. Accord subgroups will continue
to meet between now and the meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba to
discuss the recommendations. An updated document will be
available for the meeting, which will take place November 20-21.
Click Here to View the Document
New Observer to Accord Announced
May 27, 2008 - The signers and observers of
the Midwest Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord welcomes the
Canadian province of Ontario as its newest observer.
Ontario joins Manitoba to become the second Canadian
province to take part in the Accord. As a boarder to the
Midwestern states, the provinces further enhance the Midwestern
goal of decreasing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Governors Sign Greenhouse Gas Accord
November 15, 2007 – Ten Midwestern leaders – Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin, Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana, Governor Chester J. Culver of Iowa, Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, Governor Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas, Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio, Governor M. Michael Rounds of South Dakota, and Premier Gary Doer of Manitoba – today signed the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord.
Indiana, Ohio, and South Dakota are signing the agreement as observers to participate in the formation of the regional cap-and-trade system.
The Accord will:
- Establish greenhouse gas reduction targets and timeframes consistent with MGA member states’ targets;
- Develop a market-based and multi-sector cap-and-trade mechanism to help achieve those reduction targets;
- Establish a system to enable tracking, management, and crediting for entities that reduce greenhouse gas
emissions; and
- Develop and implement additional steps as needed to achieve the reduction targets, such as a low-carbon fuel
standards and regional incentives and funding mechanisms.
The historic agreement, signed at the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) Energy Security and Climate Change Summit held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will serve as a regional strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.
“This is a momentous day in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,” said Governor Doyle, chair of the MGA. "Leaders from across the Midwest are charting a new energy direction for our citizens, our nation, and our world, creating high-paying jobs for our citizens and building a cleaner and safer world for generations to come. Our strong manufacturing base and rich agricultural industries, along with the wealth of resources in our vast northern forests and our world-leading research universities, position the Midwest to become the Saudi Arabia of renewable energy.”
The Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord builds on existing greenhouse gas reduction efforts in each state as well as existing regional efforts. The new Midwest regional effort will include more states. Current emission levels in these states will require more aggressive efforts than in other regions.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord
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