Historic Plan Shows Pacific Coast Not Waiting to Tackle Climate Change

SAN FRANCISCO (October 28, 2013) – The governments of California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia are scheduled later today to announce a historic climate and energy action plan. Although the details have not yet been made public, there is no doubt that the potential impact will be significant.

Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, issued the following statement:

“This agreement will show the world that the Pacific Coast states aren’t waiting for Congress or governments worldwide to tackle climate change. This unprecedented pact between the governors of California, Oregon, and Washington, and the premier of British Columbia, will encompass a population of 53 million in the world’s fifth-largest economic region so it can have a major impact on our climate and clean energy future, providing, of course, that the governors and premier follow up this commitment with action on the ground.

“Forging a clean energy future and taking substantial steps against climate change, which knows no borders, will carve a path for others to follow. We need more regions and governments to get serious and collaborate if we are to stave off the worst effects of global warming. State action to support President Obama’s climate plan is critical to meeting our carbon pollution reduction goals.”

A blog by Annie Notthoff, NRDC director of California advocacy for the Natural Resources Defense Council, offers additional background and will be updated with details of the agreement at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET at:

http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/anotthoff/pacific_states_arent_waiting_f.html