California, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia Unite for New Climate and Energy Plan
The governors of California, Washington and Oregon allied with the premier of British Columbia last week to forge a new climate and energy plan, Examiner.com reported. The “Pacific Coast Action Plan on Climate and Energy” strives to combat climate change and promote clean energy.
The leaders met in San Francisco to finalize and sign the pact. California Governor Jerry Brown sponsored the meeting, which was attended by Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, Washington Governor Jay Inslee and British Columbia Environment Minister Mary Polak, with BC Premier Christy Clark attending via teleconference. The leaders collectively represent a region comprised of 53 million people with an economy that ranks fifth in the world.
The Action Plan will account for the cost of carbon by linking to California and BC’s current carbon pricing systems and expanding those systems in Washington and Oregon. Carbon pricing is designed to make consumers aware of the long-term environmental effects of releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere; companies that produce emissions below the allowable level can sell the remainder to companies that are heavy carbon emitters. Linking the pricing systems would create a larger market for the region’s carbon allowances, which would benefit businesses and enhance economic efficiency. The Action Plan also seeks to implement low-carbon fuel standards in each jurisdiction and eventually merge the standards into an integrated West Coast market. Additionally, the Action Plan calls for the jurisdictions to promote energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy projects and climate-smart infrastructure investment.
The Action Plan includes strategies to coordinate and incorporate with other states and provinces in North America in an ongoing effort to add more partners. The plan is supported by numerous businesses, including Cisco Systems and Taylor Shellfish Farms.
The Chanler Group is actively engaged in the review and analysis of incentive-based renewable energy programs to determine potential benefits to our clients. Global energy consumption continues to increase each year and, with this increase, the demand for safe, clean, and unlimited energy is on the rise. The Federal and State governments promote this interest through a variety of financially-beneficial incentives. Our understanding of these laws allows us to guide homeowners, businesses, and/or developers through the various ways to take advantage of these incentive-based benefits. With the appreciation that renewable energy laws and regulations are constantly changing, The Chanler Group is committed to investing in its understanding and practice of this area of law.
Photo: Washington Governor Jay Inslee