RESOLUTION 28-7
RESOLUTION CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL
PROJECTS AND ISSUES
WHEREAS, air quality in the
Northeastern United States and Eastern Canadian Provinces is
significantly influenced by transboundary air pollution as a
result of major emission sources lying upwind and pollutants
transported into the region by prevailing wind patterns; and
WHEREAS, the link between air pollution and
public health continues to be of significant concern to the
northeast region, and the Conference has successfully developed
and supported regional cooperative actions through the NEG/ECP
Acid Rain Action Plan to address transboundary air quality issues;
and
WHEREAS, energy efficiency, conservation and
renewable energy are important components of the strategy to
enhance energy security, public health, economic development,
environmental protection; and enhanced continental energy
independence; and
WHEREAS, diesel engines are a source of
several pollutants of concern that adversely impact the
environment and public health; and
WHEREAS, the region has achieved a 55%
reduction in mercury emissions, exceeding the 2003 goal of the NEG/ECP
Mercury Action Plan, and continues to progress toward its 75%
reduction target for 2010; and
WHEREAS, the continued implementation of the
NEG/ECP Climate Change Action Plan is focusing on developing
energy efficient and economically beneficial strategies to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from sources in the northeast and help
our region’s economy and environment adapt to the impacts of
climate change.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the
Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers
directs its Committee on the Environment to continue to seek
funding from federal agencies in our two countries, to support
efforts in the northeast region compatible with the goals and
programs of the U.S.–Canada Air Quality Agreement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of
New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers commends the
successful efforts of its Acid Rain Steering Committee, Mercury
Task Force and Climate Change Steering Committee, and accepts
their reports and next year’s work plans as submitted to the
Conference; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference
directs its Committee on the Environment to work with the
Northeast International Committee on Energy to review the status
of energy efficiency, conservation programs, and the use of
renewable energy in the region and report back to the next meeting
of the Conference with recommendations to promote energy security,
economic development and energy conservation through such
programs; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of
New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers directs its
Committee on the Environment and the Northeast International
Committee on Energy to:
- Evaluate “smart growth” approaches to land-use and
development and seek recommendations for implementation;
- Continue to develop the administration, tracking and
reporting framework for a voluntary regional greenhouse gas
registry; and
- Work to develop voluntary partnerships with cities, towns,
and businesses to increase the efficacy of our climate change
work.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Conference of
New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers supports
reducing emissions in heavy duty diesel vehicles to protect the
public health, particularly of our children and citizens with
respiratory ailments. The Conference directs its Committee on the
Environment
- pursue appropriate options to reduce diesel emissions;
- encourage the early introduction of cleaner diesel fuels in
the region;
- promote anti-idling initiatives; and
- enhance education for the public on the benefits of diesel
clean-up programs.
Adopted at the 28th Annual
Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers,
September 7-9, 2003.
_________________________________________
John G. Rowland
Governor of Connecticut
Co-chair |
_________________________________________
Bernard Lord
Premier of New Brunswick
Co-chair |
