The Accord provides participating governors – a bipartisan coalition together representing 127 million Americans – with a platform through which their states will collaborate, learn from one another, and leverage partnerships in energy planning and policy-making.
Democratic and Republican signatories to the Accord commit that their states will continue to diversify energy generation and expand clean energy sources, modernize energy infrastructure, and encourage clean transportation options. The seventeen participating governors represent states that vary considerably in their energy mix and policy portfolios. However, these governors have committed to working together to make transformational policy changes to secure a stronger energy future for their states and the nation.
Expanding energy efficiency and renewable energy in a cost-effective way strengthens our states’ economic productivity, reduces air pollution and avoids energy waste. Integrating more of these clean energy sources into our electricity grids can also improve the flexibility and stability of these grids. Promoting energy savings through efficiency and conservation programs is the fastest, most reliable and often cheapest way to meet our energy needs.
Technologies that capture solar, wind, hydroelectric and geothermal power have become viable and cost-effective to integrate into our states’ energy portfolios. These technologies are already providing energy to millions of Americans while reducing energy waste and air pollution. Amidst decreasing costs of renewable energy, and rapid advances in efficiency throughout entire energy systems, our states will diversify our energy portfolios for economic, health and environmental benefits.Senior advisors to participating governors will convene shortly to discuss initial steps to pursue their shared priorities and commitments contained in the Accord.
Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future.........
Full text of the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future.........