Five western US states form carbon alliance

The governors of Oregon, California, Washington, New Mexico and Arizona have signed a regional pact to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Per the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative, the five states will identify, evaluate and implement ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their respective states and set a regional target.

The governors said that the western states were particularly hard-hit by the effects of climate change and in the absence of meaningful federal action, it is up to the states to take action to address these issues. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "This agreement shows the power of states to lead our nation addressing climate change."

During the next 18 months, the states will design a regional market-based multi-sector mechanism, such as a load-based cap and trade programme, wherein companies exceeding emissions mandatory limits can buy credits from companies that produce less pollution. Such programmes will help the states to achieve their predetermined regional GHG reduction goals.

The states will participate in a multi-state GHG registry to enable tracking, management, and crediting for entities that reduce GHG emissions. In addition, the states will promote the development and use of clean and renewable energy within their region and increase the efficiency of energy use.

This new regional initiative builds on existing greenhouse gas reduction efforts in the individual states and the two existing regional efforts - West Coast Global Warming Initiative and Southwest Climate Change Initiative.