The Pacific Coast Collaborative sent out a joint statement on member commitments as COP 23 begins in Bonn, Germany.
“Pacific Coast leaders know that our work is more crucial than ever to the fight against climate change. This is our time to show we can innovate faster and better and seize the mantle of leadership in the clean energy economy," Gov. Jay Inslee said.
The governors of California, Oregon, Washington state and the environment minister from British Columbia will join world climate leaders for the twenty-third United Nations Conference of Parties (COP23) in Bonn, Germany. These jurisdictions are members of the regional partnership called the Pacific Coast Collaborative (PCC), which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decarbonize the economy and build thriving sustainable communities through the adoption of clean energy policies, sharing of expertise and resources, and collective action.
As the Trump Administration moves to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and abandon the Clean Power Plan, the leaders of these West Coast governments are redoubling commitments to climate action to address one of the greatest threats of our time.
The devastating impacts of extreme weather, wildfires and ocean acidification on communities in California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia make it clear that there's too much at stake - health, homes and livelihoods - to retreat now.
That’s why the Pacific Coast leaders will head to Bonn to expand collaboration with other jurisdictions and help drive meaningful and long-lasting changes in the building, electricity and transportation sectors. These efforts to get more electric vehicles on roads, improve the power grid, make buildings more efficient and advance renewable energy technology will help spur innovation, open up new markets, create jobs, attract investment and make communities more resilient for the future.
Jointly signed by:
California Governor Jerry Brown
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Washington Governor Jay Inslee
British Columbia Premier John Horgan
For general media inquiries, please contact Marla Wilson, Resource Media, marla@resource-media.org, tel. 415-971-9038
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Following are quotes from the U.S. West Coast Governors and the B.C. Premier on their joint efforts to combat climate change and grow their clean energy economies.
“While the White House declares war on climate science and retreats from the Paris Agreement, California is doing the opposite and taking action. We are joining with our partners from every part of the world to do what needs to be done to prevent irreversible climate change.”
California Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr.
Contact: California Governor’s Press Office, govpressoffice@gov.ca.gov, 916-445-4571
“The Trump Administration is forfeiting the United States’ role as the global leader in the fight against climate change. Participation in the Paris Agreement means moving toward a sustainable economy that creates jobs while reducing greenhouse gases at the same time. Oregon joins with Pacific Coast leaders to prepare for the clean energy economy of the future, not run away from it.”
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Contact: Chris Pair, chris.pair@oregon.gov, 503-378-5965
“Pacific Coast leaders know that our work is more crucial than ever to the fight against climate change. This is our time to show we can innovate faster and better and seize the mantle of leadership in the clean energy economy.”
Washington Governor Jay Inslee
Contact: Jaime Smith, Jaime.smith@gov.wa.gov, 360-902-0617
“Pacific Coast leaders know that our work is more crucial than ever to the fight against climate change. This is our time to show we can innovate faster and better and seize the mantle of leadership in the clean energy economy,"
British Columbia Premier John Horgan
Contact: Media Relations, BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, David.Karn@gov.bc.ca, 250-953-3834
“Cutting carbon pollution is critical to building a sustainable economy that works for everyone. Our government is committed to tackling climate change in a way that creates jobs, strengthens our communities and makes life better for ordinary British Columbians.”