Four Western States to Cooperate on Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The Public Utilities Commissions of four western states adopted a Joint Action Framework on Climate Change last week. California, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington will cooperate to develop and use low-carbon technologies and renewable energy resources, while promoting energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs. As part of the agreement, the commissions will consider policies to encourage the development of transmission lines to provide access to sites with significant renewable energy resources. The signing ceremony launched the Joint West Coast Public Utilities Commissions Workshop on Energy Efficiency, which brought together energy experts and international leaders to explore key technologies and best practices in energy efficiency. See the press release (PDF 67 KB) and the framework document (PDF 185 KB) on the California Public Utility Commission Web site.

In New Mexico, the Climate Change Advisory Group also released their recommendations last week for reducing the state's greenhouse gas emissions. The group says New Mexico could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to near 1990 levels by 2020 and create a projected $2.2 billion net economic savings if the state adopts 69 new climate change policies. Some of the top recommendations of the advisory group are to increase the state's renewable energy requirement, create incentives for energy efficiency in buildings, require cleaner cars, and reduce emissions from oil and gas production. Governor Bill Richardson created the advisory group last year. See the governor's press release and for the full report, see the New Mexico Climate Change Advisory Group Web site.