Governors urge President-elect Obama to act quickly on energy In a letter to President-elect Barack Obama, Western governors have urged swift action in adopting and implementing a national energy plan.
The governors are calling for a national energy policy that will promote energy efficiency; reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a scale necessary to contribute to climate stabilization; maximize the economic development opportunities offered by clean energy; ensure energy costs are affordable and support a sustainable, growing economy; increase the proportion of energy supplies that come from domestic resources and friendly trading partners; and minimize adverse environmental impacts.
Western Renewable Energy Zones
Western Governors and the U.S. Department of Energy are working with interested parties from around the region to identify Western Renewable Energy Zones (WREZ).The purpose of identifying zones is to help expedite the development and delivery to market of the best clean and renewable energy in the West. The effort will cover the 11 states, two Canadian provinces, and areas in Mexico that are part of the Western Interconnection.
Transportation Fuels for the Future Western Governors areencouraging accelerated development and deployment of alternative transportation fuels and improved vehicle fuel efficiency.
The Governors' policy is based upon a report delivered to the Governors by their Advisory Committee onTransportation Fuels for the Future. The Governors subsequently created a Council to track implementation of the report's recommendations and monitor results.