~ Discuss Implementation of Midwest Greenhouse Gas Accord, Climate Stewardship Platform ~

Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota, Chair of the National Governors Association and Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin, Chair of the Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) met today to discuss the next steps Minnesota and Wisconsin will take to make the Midwest a renewable energy leader. In November, Pawlenty, Doyle, and Governors from across the Midwest signed the historic MGA Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform and the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord -- together, a regional strategy to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Our regional agreement is an important milestone toward achieving a cleaner, more secure energy future,” Governor Pawlenty said. “The Midwest is well-positioned to help lead the energy revolution that our nation needs to stay competitive and strong. Working together, states can build a de facto national energy policy that will create good jobs and build a cleaner and safer world.”

“Together, we are charting a new energy course for our region and our nation,” Governor Doyle said. “We must seize opportunities to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut emissions that cause global warming, and develop renewable technologies of the future. In doing so, we will create high-paying jobs for our citizens and build a cleaner and safer world for generations to come.”

To launch these efforts, Governor Pawlenty and Governor Doyle announced the MGA will convene “Energy Transition 2050” (ET2050) to build on the work begun at the 2007 MGA Summit in Milwaukee. ET2050 will bring together leaders from government, non-profit organizations, and business to develop an energy security and climate stewardship roadmap and action plan. The meeting will take place in Chicago on February 11 and 12, 2008.

Today, Governor Pawlenty and Governor Doyle also announced they will co-lead efforts to implement the Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord and the MGA Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform when Governor Doyle’s term as MGA Chair expires this spring. The Governors will work to develop strategies, timelines and the infrastructure necessary to implement the regional agreements. Full implementation of the accord is to be completed within 30 months of its signing date.

The Midwestern Greenhouse Gas Accord signed in Milwaukee sets a bold course of action to address climate change. The accord creates a framework for establishing greenhouse gas reduction targets and timeframes, developing a cap-and-trade system and a system to track entities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and developing and implementing the steps necessary to achieve reduction targets including low-carbon fuel standards and regional incentives and funding.

The Midwestern Governors Association Energy Security and Climate Stewardship Platform establishes shared goals for the Midwestern region, including specific timelines for the advancement of energy efficiency, the promotion of biobased products, the production of renewable electricity, and the development of advanced coal and carbon capture and storage.

During their meeting, Governor Pawlenty and Governor Doyle also discussed strategies to make Wisconsin smokefree. Minnesota passed a statewide smoking ban in May 2007.

For more information on the MGA Energy Summit, including complete agreements, list of signatories, biographies of leaders, and background on the MGA, go to: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/journal_media_detail.asp?locid=19&prid=3023