The governors of seventeen states recently signed the Governors’ Accord for a New Energy Future. This bipartisan initiative will help with diversification of generation sources, including expanding clean energy generation, and the infrastructure needs to accommodate these changes. The accord describes a “bold vision of the nation’s energy future,” with commitments including:
- Diversifying energy generation and expanding clean energy sources. Efficiency and conservation can be the fastest, most reliable, and often cheapest way to meet energy needs.
- Modernizing energy infrastructure. Grid modernization is important to give consumers control over energy use, promote reliability, and integrate renewable and energy efficiency technologies.
- Encouraging clean transportation options. The use of electric vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles lessens dependence on petroleum and reduces pollution. Consumers should have choices in this area.
- Planning for energy transition. States can share best practices and lessons learned as they implement improvements.
- Working together to make transformational policy changes. Collaborative processes include the streamlining of infrastructure siting, setting renewable and energy efficiency standards, and diversifying energy portfolios.
- Helping secure a stronger national energy future. Partnerships among states and between states and the federal government can drive lasting energy improvements.
Signatories include the governors of California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
