U.S. Governors Pursue Clean Energy Future

TRAVERSE CITY, Michigan, July 23, 2007 (ENS) - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty took over chairmanship of the National Governors' Association today, introducing his goal for the coming year - Securing a Clean Energy Future. His initiative has wide support – many governors have introduced clean or renewable energy initiatives recently or have joined in regional greenhouse gas control associations.

"America is at a tipping point," said Governor Pawlenty, a Republican. "Our country is too dependent on imported sources of energy and greenhouse gas emissions continue to grow too quickly. Governors have a tremendous opportunity to lead the country toward a cleaner, more independent, more secure energy future."

Securing a Clean Energy Future will examine ways governors and states can increase production of cleaner domestic fuels, promote advanced electricity generation, improve energy efficiency and conservation, and accelerate research and development of clean energy technologies.

In a panel on global climate change Sunday, Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr., of Utah, a Republican who chairs the NGA Natural Resources Committee said, "Global climate change is one of the most pressing issues our nation is currently facing."

"Americans are concerned about global climate change and its threat to our way of life," said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, committee vice chair and Democratic presidential hopeful.

Panelists considered the status of the Bush administration's efforts to address global warming and ways to address climate change at both the state and federal level.

Panelist U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson defended the administration's plan of developing a coordinated response to climate change among federal agencies by the end of 2008.

NGA host Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, demonstrated her government's commitment to renewable energy by announcing Thursday that a Massachusetts company will build a $100 million cellulosic ethanol production plant in Michigan.

Environment News Service, July 24, 2007