The New England Governors' Conference Inc. (NEGC) has adopted regional visions for supporting the development of renewable energy resources in and around New England. The meeting took place during the 33rd Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) in St. John, New Brunswick.
The NEGC adopted the New England Governors' Renewable Energy Blueprint, which addresses mechanisms to help advance the development of New England's vast renewable resource potential. The Blueprint provides the governors options for accessing New England's regional resources, as well as opportunities for additional supplies of cost-effective, low-carbon renewable energy from eastern Canada.
The opportunities include the potential for the states to synchronize power procurement and long-term power contract activities and to coordinate reviews of proposed interstate transmission facilities needed to reach renewable resources that are distant from population centers.
‘We have abundant natural resources, technical analysis to inform decisions, and specific ways we can work cooperatively to assist development of resources that emerge in competitive processes as the best way forward for our customers,’ says Maine Gov. John Baldacci, chair of the NEGC.
The Blueprint also emphasizes the importance of a partnership between the federal government and the New England states to help promote the shared goals of the New England governors and federal government. Both have strong interests in increasing the availability of renewable power, reducing carbon emissions and reducing reliance on foreign fossil fuel.
SOURCE: New England Governors' Conference
