Pacific Coast Leaders Sign Deals

By 250 News

Vancouver, B.C. - It turns out Arnold Schwarzeneggr had more to do in Vanouver than carry the Olympic Torch through Stanely park.   He was among the Pacific Coast leaders attending a special  forum hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell.

Leaders from B.C., California, Oregon, and Washington have signed onto a series of joint actions that will help create jobs, strengthen the Pacific Coast economy, advance action on climate change and clean energy, and protect the marine environment.

The actions have been ratified during the inaugural Leaders' Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Established in June 2008, the collaborative's founding agreement pledges the participating governments to forge a partnership for leadership, co-operative action, and a common voice on issues affecting the Pacific coast region.

The meeting was hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell and chaired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington, and Secretary of State Kate Brown representing the state of Oregon, and Governor Ted Kulongoski also attended. The forum took advantage of participants being in Vancouver to attend the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

"The agreements are an important step towards advancing North America's West Coast as a global leader in the new low-carbon economy, ocean health, renewable energy and transportation," said Premier Campbell. "I want to thank the governors for coming to British Columbia to help us celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and for continuing to work with us to build a strong economy and sustainable region for our citizens."

"The actions we are taking will build a stronger economy and a stronger environment for communities throughout the Pacific region and beyond," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "The Pacific Coast Collaborative has shown that by taking meaningful action and showing determined leadership, the rest of the world will follow the steps we are taking to build a better future. I want to thank Premier Campbell, Governor Gregoire and Governor Kulongoski for helping our entire region move forward through this important collaborative."

Two action plans have been signed by the leaders : Innovation, the Environment and the Economy; and Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation.

The Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy sets out a series of co- operative initiatives to promote renewable and low- carbon energy and energy conservation, including developing Interstate 5/Highway 99 as a green transportation corridor. It also promotes development of high-speed rail from San Diego to Vancouver and the move to "Green Ports" through co-operation to reduce local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation focuses on co-operation on invasive species, reductions in toxins and other pollutants, promoting sustainable fisheries management and research into impacts from climate change and adaptation options.

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