News

You can find the latest news on the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord here.

Governor Doyle to Co-Host Governors’ Global Climate Summit

November 11, 2008 - Governor Jim Doyle announced today that he will co-host the Governors’ Global Climate Summit in Los Angeles on November 18 and 19.  This international summit, hosted by Governor Schwarzenegger of California, will bring together world leaders to develop creative, collaborative actions to advance the global climate agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that will be negotiated in Poland in December and in Copenhagen next year. The Governors’ summit also provides an opportunity for states and provinces to partner to reduce emissions and grow green economies. 

Wisconsin is taking the lead to develop clean energy and address the challenge of climate change on a state, regional, and international level,” Governor Doyle said.  “This trip is an opportunity to strengthen important relationships with business and government officials nationally and internationally and develop climate change strategies that will save us money, create jobs, help secure our world and improve our air and water.”

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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

Governor Doyle Honored for Commitment to Clean Energy: Wins Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance's 2009 Inspiring Efficiency Leadership Award

October 27, 2008 -  The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) announced Governor Jim Doyle is the recipient of its 2009 Inspiring Efficiency Leadership Award.  The annual award is presented to the organization or individual who has served as a strong leader in support of energy efficiency in their city, state, region, company, or community.

“I am honored to receive this award in recognition of the state’s efforts to reduce our energy consumption and move toward energy independence,” Governor Doyle said.  “From manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels to retro-fitting fuel pumps and exploring the latest clean technologies, Wisconsin’s future lies in seizing green opportunities that will create good jobs for our citizens and add billions of dollars to our economy.”

This year marks the MEEA’s 5th annual Inspiring Efficiency Awards competition recognizing leaders who deliver groundbreaking advancements in energy efficiency across five categories: Education, Impact, Marketing, Innovation and Leadership.

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Kresge Foundation Provides Grant to Implement Accord

October 10, 2008 - Michigan-based Kresge Foundation announced its decision to provide assistance in the implementation of the Accord. Their generous grant will assist in realizing the historic goals that were established last November.

In addition to The Kresge Foundation, generous grants have also been provided by The Joyce Foundation and The McKnight Foundation.

Governor Pawlenty Announces $10 Million for Micro-Energy and Conservation Loans

October 8, 2008 - Governor Pawlenty announced that $10 million is now available for micro-energy and conservation home improvement loans to help Minnesotans save on energy costs.

The program was proposed by the Governor in his 2008 State of the State Address as another way for Minnesota to expand homegrown energy, grow green collar jobs, and improve the environment.

"It's more important than ever that we lead efforts to Americanize energy production and help homeowners lower their energy costs," Governor Pawlenty said. "This program will fund low-interest loans for micro-energy technologies such as home-based solar, next-generation windmills, geothermal heating and other renewable energy sources."

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Governor Culver Announces Green Iowa AmeriCorps Program to Help Rebuild a Greener Iowa

October 6, 2008 - Governor Chet Culver announced today the launch of 56 AmeriCorps positions in the new “Green Iowa” initiative. The mission of this new program is to assess energy saving needs in communities and provide energy-saving education and service through community outreach. 

 “AmeriCorps members are tackling our toughest problems, strengthening our communities, and improving the civic life of our state,” said Governor Culver.  “They have played an important role in helping Iowans recover from this year’s natural disasters, and their work continues through this innovative, new program.”

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Governor Doyle and German Officials Agree to Cooperative Action on Energy and Climate Change

September 30, 2008 - Governor Jim Doyle today made a joint statement with top German officials on their common conviction that climate change and fossil fuel dependence require immediate action to advance low-carbon technology and reduce greenhouse gasses.

 “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. “Germany and Wisconsin have strong bonds, and we look forward to strengthening our combined efforts to confront climate change and our energy policies.”

 Governor Doyle and German officials agreed to intensify existing partnerships and to participate in the "Transatlantic Climate and Energy Initiative," which was initiated at the conference today in Berlin.

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Western Climate Initiative Releases Design Recommendations

September 30, 2008 - The Western Climate Initiative (WCI) announced recommendations for the design of a regional market-based cap-and-trade program. The program will slash climate-changing greenhouse gas emissions, spur growth in new green technologies, help build a strong clean-energy economy and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

The cap-and-trade design is an important element of a comprehensive regional effort by the governors and premiers of seven U.S. states and four Canadian provinces to promote environmental sustainability and economic growth by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.

The new, multi-sector program will be the most comprehensive carbon reduction strategy designed to date. It will cover nearly 90% of the region’s emissions, including those from electricity, industry, transportation, and residential and commercial fuel use. Together, the seven states and four provinces represent over 70 percent of the Canadian economy and 20 percent of the U.S. economy.

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Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Holds Auction of Emissions Allowances - Announce a Strong Start

September 29, 2008 - The states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) announced that the auctioning of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions allowances in North America is off to a strong start. All of the 12,565,387 allowances offered for sale on September 25, 2008 were sold at a clearing price of $ 3.07 per allowance.

RGGI, Inc. reported that 59 participants from the energy, financial and environmental sectors took part in the first-in-the-nation auction, indicating a strong start in the first of many CO2 allowance auctions. The demand for the allowances appeared to have been very strong with a total of quantity of 51,761,000 allowances demanded which was four times available supply for this first auction.

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New Timeline Approved and Status Report

September 26, 2008 - At the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord  Advisory Group meeting held in Des Moines on September 15-16, the Advisory Group approved an updated timeline for implementation of the Accord. For other documents from this meeting please click here.

Additionally, the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) has updated its Energy Initiatives webpage to include a status report on its progress and a brief timeline of expected milestones.

To view the update and timeline from the MGA, click here.

Public Meeting Announced on Greenhouse Gas Reduction

July 21, 2008 - The Midwestern Governors Association, in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) Center for Environmental Sustainability Education, will hold a public meeting on July 29 to discuss the work of the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord Advisory Group. The public meeting will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the UWM School of Continuing Education.

The public meeting will allow interested individuals to learn more about the process, ask questions and provide comment on the work being undertaken. In addition to providing information on the overall effort, breakout sessions have been set-up to discuss the work of four of the subgroups.

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EPA Releases Report on Climate Change and Health

July 18, 2008 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a report that discusses the potential impacts of climate change on human health, human welfare, and communities in the U.S. The report, entitled "Analyses of the Effects of Global Change on Human Health and Welfare and Human Systems," also identifies adaptation strategies to help respond to the challenges of a changing climate and identifies near- and long-term research goals for addressing data and knowledge gaps.

The report discusses the challenges and potential effects of climate change, including unusual or unexpected weather, and how some individuals and communities may be disproportionately affected by climate change, including the elderly, the poor, children, and people with chronic medical conditions. However, the U.S. has well-developed public health infrastructures and environmental programs that protect our air and water, which can help minimize the impacts.

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EPA Announces Proposed Rule on Carbon Sequestration

July 18, 2008 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a regulation to create a national framework for the injection of carbon dioxide underground and protection of underground drinking water resources. The rule would create a new class of injection wells under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act's Underground Injection Control (UIC) program.

The EPA states the proposed rule builds on the existing UIC program, including extensive requirements to ensure wells are appropriately located, constructed, tested, monitored, and ultimately, closed with proper funding. It would apply to owners and operators of wells that will be used to inject carbon dioxide into the subsurface for the purpose of long-term storage.

EPA is coordinating with the Department of Energy on carbon sequestration research and development.

EPA is requesting public comments on the proposed rule for 120 days. Proposal and information about geologic sequestration activities and the UIC program at: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/uic/wells_sequestration.html

Governor Doyle Announces Record State Clean Energy Purchase

July 9, 2008 - Governor Jim Doyle announced today that the State of Wisconsin has purchased over 92,400 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable electrical energy, one of the largest government purchases of renewable energy in the nation. 

“Government should be a clean energy leader, and the State of Wisconsin is taking major steps to lead the way and improve our energy independence,” Governor Doyle said.  “This purchase will help encourage expansion of renewable energy sources in Wisconsin and keep our energy dollars in the local economy.” 

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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

Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord

Members
Iowa
Illinois
Kansas
Manitoba
Michigan
Minnesota
Wisconsin

Observers
Indiana
Ohio
Ontario
South Dakota

Endorsers

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