B.C.-CALIFORNIA MOU ON CLIMATE CHANGE, PACIFIC OCEAN

Memorandum of Understanding between the Province of British Columbia and the State of California on Pacific Coast Collaboration to Protect Our Shared Climate and Ocean

The Province of British Columbia and the State of California,

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 centre of innovation and sustainable living in the Pacific Century;

Now therefore hereby agree as follows:

Action on Climate Change

I. British Columbia and California 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 British Columbia and California, but also through our participation in the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative. British Columbia and California 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.

Adopt a low carbon fuel standard and greenhouse gas tailpipe emissions standards in British Columbia that would be consistent with California’s 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 British Columbia, California, or other governments in the region that may choose to participate in this effort.

D. Build a Hydrogen Highway from British Columbia to Baja California.

Work with Baja California, Oregon, and Washington to extend the Hydrogen Highway so that by 2010, a hydrogen-powered vehicle may be able to travel and refuel from Baja California to British Columbia (“B.C. to B.C.”).

E. Combine efforts to improve air quality.

Explore policies to reduce pollution from traffic along the Pacific highway corridor, including support for measures that reduce truck idling such as electrification of truck stops and congestion reduction.

F. 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.

G. 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. British Columbia and California commit to work together to share information about coastal and ocean resources; and develop a common data inventory, data systems and indicators of oceans health, to undertake initiatives including, but not limited to:

A. The development, monitoring and management of marine protection areas off our coasts.

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

C. Strengthen linkages and build upon the investments made in “sea -floor observatories” such as NEPTUNE, VENUS and MARS (Saanich Inlet, Juan de Fuca tectonic plate and Monterey Bay respectively).

Partnerships

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

A. Form alliances with leaders from business, British Columbia First Nations and California tribes, 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.

C. Identify opportunities for collaboration in other areas of mutual interest.

Measuring Progress – Ensuring Results

IV. British Columbia and California will set common benchmarks for measuring the health of our ocean and climate to ensure that agreed actions produce results.

Limitations

V. This Memorandum of Understanding is not intended to be legally binding or to impose legal obligations on either British Columbia or California and will have no legal effect. Neither British Columbia nor California is responsible for the actions of third parties or associates who may be involved in activities outlined in this Memorandum of Understanding.

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Media contact:	Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218

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