Ontario To Explore Joining Forces With U.S. States On Climate Change Initiative

 

TORONTO, Mar 30, 2007 -- Canada NewsWire

Premier McGuinty today signaled Ontario's interest in potentially joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative, both state-level strategic partnerships whose mandates are to reduce greenhouse gases.

"Building partnerships with our U.S. neighbors to address our shared climate change and air pollution issues is in the best interest of Ontarians," said Premier McGuinty.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger shared his support: "Ontario's announcement is terrific news. We know that the science is clear and political leaders everywhere have a responsibility to act decisively to combat global warming. But we also know that no state, province or country can do it alone. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a global effort, and this interest from Ontario, along with California's agreements with the United Kingdom, Western and Northeastern states and others will continue to inspire other states, provinces and countries to join the fight against global warming."

New York State Governor Spitzer commented: "The harmful public health, environmental and economic impacts of global warming do not recognize or respect international boundaries. Ontario and New York may be separated by a border, but we are united in a common cause to seek solutions to this most pressing challenge. We would enthusiastically welcome Ontario as a partner in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative as we move forward in our fight against global climate change."

The announcement was also welcomed by Connecticut Governor Rell, "The action being proposed by Ontario is another example of the cooperation between the Northeastern states and the Eastern Canadian provinces on critical environmental issues. Ontario's interest in reducing emissions through the innovative approaches in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative is welcome news in the battle to combat climate change."

RGGI is a cap-and-trade strategy to reduce greenhouse gases through cooperative efforts across state lines - and now potentially across provincial borders. The Western Regional Climate Action Initiative is a joint strategy signed February 26, 2007 between Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington to build on existing greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts across all sectors and show leadership in the absence of meaningful federal action.

Ontario is committed to phasing out coal-fired power plants and this is compatible with RGGI's focus on greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector. Ontario supports the absolute emission targets that define both the Western Initiative and RGGI. Currently the province has its own emissions trading program for NOx and SO2. Cooperation between Ontario and RGGI and the Western Initiative could lead to technical improvements in both programs and a possible future cross-border program for all emissions.

"This is an important undertaking in our government's comprehensive strategy on climate change," said Ontario Environment Minister Laurel Broten.

"By cooperating with RGGI and the Western Regional Climate Change Initiative, Ontario can add to the momentum for political and industry action on climate change. A commitment to absolute greenhouse gas reduction targets is fundamental to making progress on this serious global issue," said Ken Ogilvie, Executive Director of Pollution Probe.

The David Suzuki Foundation's Dale Marshall added his support: "Canada needs a cap-and-trade program based on absolute emission reductions in order to reduce emissions from its industrial sector. In the absence of national system, it is great to see Ontario considering joining cap-and-trade systems in the U.S."

For more information check www.ontario.ca/environment

Disponible en francais

SOURCE: Ontario Ministry of the Environment

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