28th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers

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 t

   
• 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 28^th 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