Eastern Provinces urged to consider climate change agreement (Globe and Mail)

Regional accord on climate action urged

Canadian Press

From Globe and Mail - May 11, 2006

Newport, Rhode Island — A coalition of environmental groups is urging the five Eastern premiers to establish a regional accord on climate change that would also include Ontario and Manitoba.

The call comes as the premiers of Quebec and Atlantic Canada gather in Newport, Rhode Island to discuss the environment and other issues with the governors of the New England States.

In 2001, the premiers and governors adopted an accord to reduce greenhouse pollution to 1990 levels by 2010.

They'll get an update on their progress over the next few days.

David Coon, chair of the Canadian Climate Action Network, says with the federal government abandoning Canada's Kyoto commitments, Eastern Canada should launch its own regional initiative to cut greenhouse gas pollution.

He says inviting Ontario and Manitoba to participate would ensure over half of Canada's greenhouse gas pollution would be governed by the agreement.