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Regional GHG Initiatives Hold Second Meeting PDF Print E-mail

State and Provincial representatives of the three regional GHG initiatives met for the second time on November 9 in Washington, D.C. to continue sharing information on the status of their initiatives.  Representatives of the Western Climate Initiative, Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord, and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative discussed plans to collaborate in three specific areas - offsets, complementary policies, and identifying issues that would have to be addressed if the regions were to link their programs.

The group also discussed state roles under various federal action scenarios.  This included meeting with EPA officials to discuss a plan for ongoing interaction with states as federal climate change programs are designed and implemented. 

In a briefing hosted by the Senate Energy and Energy Resources Committee that afternoon, the three regional groups reiterated their support for federal action to implement comprehensive and rigorous programs to reduce greenhouse gases.  The groups stated their intention to continue moving ahead with the development and implementation of their programs while working with Congress, EPA, and other federal agencies to ensure appropriate and effective state roles in the implementation of emerging federal programs and regulations.  A video of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee briefing is available here.