~ Unveils “Securing a Clean Energy Future” as chair’s initiative for 2007-08 ~

Governor Tim Pawlenty today was elected Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) at the NGA’s Annual Meeting in Traverse City, Michigan. In his first act as NGA Chair, Governor Pawlenty announced his chair’s initiative entitled Securing a Clean Energy Future.

“America is at a tipping point,” Governor Pawlenty said. “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.”

To address the myriad energy challenges the United States faces, 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.

Governor Pawlenty takes over as NGA begins to celebrate 100 years since the first meeting of governors at the White House in 1908. In addition to announcing his initiative, Governor Pawlenty used this occasion to unveil the new NGA logo, designed to celebrate the association’s centennial year, and a special centennial Web page. The centennial Web site is designed to showcase the history of NGA and the role of governors over the last century.

“It’s a pleasure to hand over the leadership reins of NGA to my good friend and colleague Governor Pawlenty,” said outgoing NGA Chair Arizona Governor Napolitano. “He has been instrumental in our work with Innovation America. I benefited from his expertise during the past year and I look forward to supporting his efforts as chair.”

Before the gavel was passed, governors heard from the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and the Honorable Tom Phillips, former chief justice, Texas Supreme Court about the effect of judicial independence on states.

Newly minted NGA Vice Chair Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell spoke about the upcoming NGA centennial celebration and invited meeting attendees to join him in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from July 11-14 for the 100th meeting of the association.

“I can think of no better place to celebrate the NGA centennial meeting than in the birthplace of our great nation,” said Governor Rendell. “Philadelphia and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania look forward to hosting the 100th gathering of the nation’s governors, and I’d like to thank my colleague Gov. Granholm, Traverse City and the state of Michigan for their tremendous job over the past few days.”

The plenary session closed with governors hearing final thoughts on NGA committee reports and taking up consideration of proposed NGA policies.

Link - More about Securing a Clean Energy Future (PDF)