THE WESTERN CLIMATE INITIATIVE (WCI)
The Western Climate Initiative is a collaboration which was launched in February 2007 by the Governors of Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington to develop regional strategies to address climate change. WCI is identifying, evaluating and implementing collective and cooperative ways to reduce greenhouse gases in the region. In the spring of 2007, the Governor of Utah and the Premiers of British Columbia and Manitoba joined the Initiative. Montana joined in January, 2008 and Quebec moved from Observer to Partner status in April, 2008. Other US and Mexican states and Canadian provinces have joined as observers. For a map showing Partners and Observers click here.
Through WCI, the Partners set an overall regional goal in August 2007 for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (see the GHG Reduction Goal Statement). By August 2008 the Partners will also complete the design of a market-based mechanism to help achieve that reduction goal. The partners developed a Workplan to guide their work and are seeking public input throughout the process.
Upcoming!
July 21st - Economic Analysis Team Stakeholder Teleconference/Webinar. For details click here.
WCI's third major Stakeholder Workshop:
July 29th - in San Diego - For registration and hotel information click here.
WCI's consolidated draft recommendations -- for a copy: click here.
These draft recommendations, released May 16, 2008 were discussed at the May 21 Stakeholder Workshop in Salt Lake City. Both the workshop and teleconference/webinar provided time for stakeholder input on the recommendations. For a list of Workshop attendees click here. To see presentations from the Workshop visit the Meetings & Events section of the website, or click here.
Comments on WCI's consolidted draft recommendtions may be submitted via the website. (Use "Submit Comments" button at left.)To view public comments submitted on the initial recommendations for each subcommittee click here.
WCI Chairs' Message to Stakeholders with Process and Timeline for Public Reveiw and Comments on Work Products and Draft Recommendations Click here for a copy of the letter from WCI Chair Janice Adair and Co-Chair Steve Owens and the timeline for continued stakeholder involvement.
Participants:
The WCI Partners have each assigned staff from environmental agencies and the Governor’s and Premier’s offices to undertake the work of creating a cap and trade program for the western region. For a list of the participants and the Subcommittees on which they work click here.
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