The Political Climate: an ongoing commentary on the NH Primary and Climate Change

New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers met for their annual NEG-ECP retreat on Monday with greenhouse gas emissions at the top of their priority list.  New Englanders Brian Thurber and Berl Hartman gave their own advice for the group of leaders in a Boston Globe op-ed on “Global Warming and Economic Growth.” 

Thurber and Hartman noted that the meeting would most likely be a low profile event but that both global warming advocates and the investment community should pay close attention.  Acknowledging that the NEG-ECP made a significant agreement in 2001 with targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they said that progress has been slow and the targets will most likely not be met on time.  Thurber and Hartman commented that the group could benefit from regional leadership similar to that of Gov. Schwarzenegger.  They say that by taking the lead on global warming, California has seen substantial economic benefits.  View the entire piece here.

Vermont Governor Douglas, chairman of the New England Governors said that “more remains to be done if the targets … are to be achieved.”  While the group agrees that they will not wait for the federal government, Douglas notes that “We can’t do it alone.  We know that true long-term improvements in air quality will take the efforts of all of us - especially our federal governments.”  Read more here. 

Canadian Press reported on Tuesday that the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers represent about 30 million people.  With 164 towns in NH passing a Climate Change Resolution this spring, we know that NH residents are making sure that both local and national policy makers are paying attention … and as the pack of presidential candidates comes through the state, NH voters will be asking them questions about global warming and TPC will be sure to let you know what all of the candidates are saying.

To read more about the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers’ Climate Change Action Plan, click here.