Release 11/15/07: MIDWEST ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS HAIL GOVERNORS’ “HISTORIC” AGREEMENT ON GLOBAL WARMING REDUCTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:

November 15, 2007 Rick Fuentes

(651) 726-7572

(651) 741-0662 (cell)

MIDWEST ENERGY, ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS HAIL

GOVERNORS’ “HISTORIC” AGREEMENT

ON GLOBAL WARMING REDUCTION

Other States Urged to Join; Pact Ups Pressure on Federal Solution

MILWAUKEE – Governors of four Midwest states Thursday transformed their region from a problem to a solution in the quest to combat global warming—and set the stage for new economic development—when they reached a historic accord to reduce carbon emissions, environmental leaders said.

Joining at the Midwest Governors Association Energy Summit in Milwaukee, the six states signed an agreement to reduce carbon emissions responsible for global warming, by generating 30 percent by of their electricity by 2030 and systematically investing in energy efficiency – measures that will inject new revenues into the region’s farm and industrial economy.

With coal-fired power plants accounting for a major share of carbon emissions, the four states will be increasingly focused on generating electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biofuels, while curbing demand through energy efficiency. A 2002 study by the University of Illinois shows that a comprehensive plan to shift more energy production to non-carbon renewable fuels would generate more than 200,000 new jobs by 2020 in the Midwest while fueling nearly $20 billion economic growth.

“This is a historic agreement that catapults the Midwest into a leadership role in the effort to reduce global warming pollution,” said Keith Reopelle, Program Director for Clean Wisconsin. “This is a major milestone not only in our effort to protect our environment, but also as we work to power our economy. Many of the technologies that will help us curb global warming—from wind turbines and blades, to biomass XX, to energy efficient lighting and appliances, are produced right here in the Midwest. An investment in global warming solutions is an investment in Midwest jobs and revenue.”

The Midwest now joins the Northeast, West and Southwest as regions taking the initiative to mitigate global warming in the absence of federal action.

The 12 states represented in the Midwest Governors Association collectively account for 25 percent of the nation’s energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, according to data reported by the Energy Information Administration in the U.S. Department of Energy. The Governors’ plan positions the region to lead the way in technologies and solutions that will have a significant impact on the region’s carbon emissions.

Support for global warming solutions has surged in recent years. An April CBS News/New York Times poll found that 78 percent of Americans believe governments should take steps “right away” to limit the carbon emissions wreaking havoc with the climate.

“We especially thank Governors Doyle and Pawlenty, who, by calling this Summit, have demonstrated that the battle against global warming is an issue that transcends partisan lines,” Reopelle said. “Across the country, it’s clear that the political climate has become supportive toward global warming solutions. We hope this public approval convinces other Midwest governors to join in this historic achievement.”

Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin have each assigned task forces to formulate recommendations for bold reductions in carbon emissions, and legislation codifying those objectives has been passed in Minnesota and introduced in Wisconsin.

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