Governor Doyle Signs Climate Change Agreement with United Kingdom

Agreement Takes Steps toward Developing Clean Energy and Fighting Climate Change


 


MADISON – Governor Jim Doyle today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United Kingdom (U.K.) and Wisconsin on climate change issues.  The agreement, signed by Governor Doyle and Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Minister of Parliament, promotes a working relationship between Wisconsin and the U.K. and builds upon current efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote low carbon technologies. 


 


“By combining Wisconsin’s knowledge, skills and resources with those of the United Kingdom, we can develop the solutions necessary for a clean energy future,” Governor Doyle said.  “The environmental and economic consequences of climate change and our dependence on fossil fuels affect everyone and our collaboration with the United Kingdom can only do more to generate new technologies, new businesses, and new jobs for our citizens, and a cleaner and safer world for generations to come.”


 


The U.K. has been a vocal world leader in climate change issues.  The U.K. actively supports the establishment of clean energy partnerships with China, India, and Brazil, among others. It is taking action to move swiftly towards zero emissions fossil fuel plants within the EU, invest more resources in renewables, and educate the world’s citizens about the economic and scientific cases that support these objectives.  The U.K. signed a similar agreement with Florida in 2007 and California in 2006.


 


“Fighting dangerous climate change will involve immense effort from us all – and it’s clear that in the USA, states like Wisconsin can play a critical role, both in cutting emissions and laying the foundations for a low carbon economy,” Mr. Benn said. “Low carbon growth will open up economic opportunities, attract investment and create green-collar jobs. As governments, our job is to make sure the conditions are right for the coming economic transformation – and by working in co-operation, we can help to ensure that the coming green industrial revolution is truly global.”


 


Last month, Governor Doyle met with John Ashton, Special Representative for Climate Change at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London, and Phil Woolas, MP, Minister of State for the Environment, to discuss a potential MOU between the U.K. and Wisconsin on climate change issues.  


 


The MOU encourages collaboration between Wisconsin and the U.K. in researching and sharing new technologies, experiences, and solutions, as well as efforts to educate the public on global climate issues.  Specifically, the MOU outlines the following actions:


 


·         Promote policies that cut greenhouse gas emissions while opening up new economic opportunities for citizens;


 


·         Discuss ways to build upon existing global arrangements to protect the planet by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases;


 


·         Aim to improve public policies that reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases.  Wisconsin also commits to joining the International Carbon Action Partnership and to work with the U.K. and others to facilitate the development of a global carbon market;


 


·         Aim to improve science and understand and exchange knowledge about how climate change is affecting the economy, agriculture, natural resources, environmental quality, and public health;


 


·         Work to improve technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions with a particular emphasis on the research, development and deployment of renewable energy generation and storage, energy efficiency, carbon capture and storage;


 


·         Aim to increase climate-friendly commerce between the U.K. and Wisconsin including trade opportunities in renewable energy, products that promote increased energy efficiency throughout the economy, and renewable energy feedstock;


 


·         Promote education, training, and public awareness on climate change; and


 


·         Commit to opening these activities to members of the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord and other international partners.


 


Since coming into office, Governor Doyle has worked to make Wisconsin and the Midwest a leader in renewable energy.  Last year, as Chairman of the Midwestern Governors Association, Governor Doyle spearheaded a regional strategy to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming that culminated with 10 Governors signing the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord.


 


In March, Governor Doyle launched Clean Energy Wisconsin, his strategy to strengthen Wisconsin’s energy future. This comprehensive plan moves Wisconsin forward by promoting renewable energy, creating new jobs, increasing energy security and efficiency, and improving the environment.


 


Governor’s plan for energy independence includes:  Generating 25 percent of our electricity and 25 percent of the fuels for our cars and trucks from renewable sources by the year 2025; capturing 10 percent of the market share for renewable energy and bioproducts, and utilizing Wisconsin’s tremendous capability for research to become the country’s leader in making alternative energies more affordable and available to all.


 


To read the Memorandum of Understanding, go to: http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us//docview.asp?docid=13713.