All American Patriots news story
February 7, 2007 — AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci opened the Forum on Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI): Decisions for Maine Wednesday morning by discussing Maine’s efforts to address climate change.
“The Maine Department of Environmental Protection developed Maine’s Climate Action Plan, one of the first in the nation,” said Governor Baldacci. “The cap-and-trade program that came from the Action Plan is one of the most effective greenhouse gas reduction strategies both in terms of carbon reductions and cost-effectiveness.”
Governor Baldacci said that 10 states are now committed to participating in RGGI. The Governor has asked DEP Commissioner David Littell to ensure the environmental and economic benefits of the RGGI initiative are maximized in Maine.
“RGGI will reduce CO2 emissions from electrical generators by 10% from current levels by 2019,” said the Governor. “If we take growth between now and 2019 into account, this represents a 35% reduction over business as usual. It will reduce CO2 emissions by the most cost-effective means.”
Governor Baldacci delivered his remarks at the beginning of the forum, hosted by the USM Muskie School and the UM Margaret Chase Smith Center. The Department of Environmental Protection presented draft legislation and a panel discussion after Governor Baldacci’s remarks.
