B.C.-WASHINGTON MOU ON CLIMATE CHANGE

The State of Washington and the Province of British Columbia,

Sharing a common border and a longstanding relationship of friendship and trust;

Acting on our Memorandum of Cooperation of 2005 to enter into specific cooperative arrangements on matters of common interest;

Committed to leading the world in sustainable environmental management;

Agreed that the science is clear, global warming is real, and the more timid the response, the harsher the consequences will be;

Resolved to see decisive and immediate action taken to address greenhouse gas emissions that are impacting the climate and the environment of Pacific coastal jurisdictions, and the world;

Recognizing that greenhouse gas emissions, and specifically excess CO₂, is also acidifying the ocean and significantly threatening and altering habitats and wildlife;

Committed to collaboration with other North American governments to maximize the impact of our joint actions on climate change, and protect and maintain the health and productivity of our oceans;

Agreed that the full engagement of our governments on climate change with citizens, leaders from business, communities, tribes, First Nations, environmental advocates, the academic and scientific community, and federal and local governments is crucial to fostering a new personal conservation ethic and to ultimate success;

Sharing a common vision of Pacific North America as the center of innovation and sustainable living in the Pacific Century;

NOW THEREFORE HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

Action on Climate Change

I. Washington and British Columbia commit to work together to:

A. Cap greenhouse gas emissions.

By 2020, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced to 1990 levels or below in our respective jurisdictions consistent with provincial and state policies. This will be accomplished through reductions in Washington and British Columbia, but also through our participation in the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative. Washington and British Columbia will continue to work with the other jurisdictions involved to develop a multi-sector market-based program and promote regional climate change emission reduction policies.

B. Reduce greenhouse gases from the transportation sector.

Explore alternative fuel sources and adopt a greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions standard in Washington and British Columbia that would be consistent with California laws and regulations.

C. Pursue aggressive clean and renewable energy policies.

Support and adopt policies to create more renewable energy development and transmission, and energy efficiency consistent with the laws and regulations of Washington, British Columbia, or other governments in the region that may choose to participate in this effort.

D. Combine efforts to improve air quality.

Explore policies to reduce pollution from traffic along the Pacific highway corridor, including support for measures, reduce truck idling, such as electrification of truck stops, traffic congestion, ferry emissions, and encourage smart community growth.

E. Coordinate efforts to encourage clean technologies.

Identify opportunities to encourage the use of clean technologies, such as enhanced carbon capture and sequestration in the region, both terrestrial and geologic.

F. Monitor and record improvements.

Develop a common data inventory with respect to air quality and greenhouse gas emissions.

Action on our Shared Pacific Ocean

II. Washington and British Columbia commit to work together to:

A. Share information about coastal and ocean resources and develop a common data inventory, data systems and indicators of ocean health including building upon the investments made in “sea-floor observatories” such as NEPTUNE and VENUS.

B. Share best practices on protecting marine habitat off our coasts.

C. Synchronize environmental protection at our ports to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and improve air quality, and to protect ocean resources around port complexes, working with our respective federal governments as necessary.

D. Establish a Washington-British Columbia Coastal and Ocean Task Force to coordinate and act on these and other coastal and oceans issues.

Partnerships

III. Washington and British Columbia commit to work together to:

A. Form alliances with leaders from business, Washington tribes and British Columbia First Nations, environmental advocates and scientists, and work with federal and local governments to assist with the accomplishment of climate change goals.

B. Foster collaborative academic and industry research, development and commercialization activities delivering the technology solutions necessary to accomplish climate change goals.

Action on Additional Areas for Mutual Benefit

IV. Washington and British Columbia commit to work together to:

A. Bring Pacific Coast governors and their key cabinet members together to forge a new Pacific Coast Collaborative to establish a framework for leadership and cooperative action on additional areas of mutual interest and benefit for the Pacific coast region, including:

· Climate change;

· Oceans;

· Clean Energy;

· Regional transportation;

· Innovation, research and development;

· Enhancing a sustainable regional economy, especially with respect to environmental goods and services;

· Emergency management; and

· Other areas as determined that would benefit from cooperative action.

B. Implement, as a first step, the initiatives set out in the Appendix of this Memorandum, that have been agreed by our respective Cabinet members, including:

· Washington – British Columbia Coastal and Ocean Task Force

· Washington – British Columbia Forest Memorandum of Understanding

Limitations

V. The undersigned signatories agree that this Memorandum of Understanding shall have no legal effect or impose a legally binding obligation on either Washington or British Columbia. Neither Washington nor British Columbia shall be responsible for the actions of third parties who may participate in the activities outlined in this Memorandum of Understanding.

Washington - British Columbia Coastal and Ocean Task Force

Terms of Reference

Mandate:

The Washington – British Columbia Coastal and Ocean Task Force (COTF) is established to provide a mechanism to enhance collaboration between the State of Washington and the Province of British Columbia on coastal and ocean issues. The geographic area of interest includes Puget Sound, the Georgia Basin, and the outer coasts of Washington and British Columbia.

Task Force Goals:

· Increase communication between governments on ocean and coastal issues.

· Foster collaborative activities to improve the health of shared marine waters.

· Monitor, and report on progress to protect our marine waters.

Objectives:

To provide a transboundary forum to share information and collaborate on activities that:

· protect and restore coastal and marine habitats;

· encourage the development of ecosystem management approaches for ocean and coastal resources; and

· foster sustainable coastal communities and development.

Activities:

The Task Force will undertake activities to:

· promote the exchange of technical and scientific information;

· identify priority transboundary issues and recommend collaborative actions; and

· sponsor and participate in international conferences and workshops on issues of mutual interest.

Task Force Membership:

Washington and British Columbia will appoint co-chairs who will be responsible for ensuring broad representation on the Task Force from coastal and ocean resource management agencies in respective jurisdictions.

Task Force Operations

The Task Force will develop an Annual Work Plan for approval the British Columbia-Washington Environmental Cooperation Council.

The Task Force will develop action plans and status reports on priority issues.

The Task Force will generally meet two times a year or as required.

Reporting:

The Task Force will report to the Governor and Premier through the British Columbia-Washington Environmental Cooperation Council and report on progress at an annual meeting of Washington and British Columbia governments.

Washington State – British Columbia Forest Memorandum of Understanding

June 8, 2007

The Washington State and Province of British Columbia share similar benefits, challenges, and opportunities associated with a large amount of our lands in forested ecosystems.

In the spirit of mutually improving our forest health conditions, adapting to climate change, increasing capacity and effectiveness for wildfire protection, and producing bio-energy from forest products, the signatories agree to:

Work cooperatively with Washington and British Columbia counterparts to share research, data and information on how climate change will likely affect forest health, and share strategies to achieve healthy forest ecosystems in the future. Through a joint meeting this fall, this cooperative work will also explore opportunities for cross-border demonstration projects, and share approaches on carbon life-cycle modeling and carbon sequestration accounting.

Under existing cooperative agreements on cross-border fire protection, recognize that declining forest health and climate change likely will lead to larger and more frequent wildfires. We will seek opportunities to share strategic outlooks, fire prevention plans and complementary expertise on forest fuels management, prevention, pre-suppression, and suppression actions.

Seek opportunities to share data, technical approaches and joint research projects to produce renewable energy and fuel products from the large amounts of woody biomass now found in many of our forests. The production of renewable energy from low-value wood can also contribute to rural economic development, reduced wildfire risk, and improved forest health.

-30-

Contact:

Mike Morton

Press Secretary

Office of the Premier

250 213-8218

Holly Armstrong
Communications Director

Governor’s Office
360 902-0386




For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.