Eastern Canada Energy Reform
Global warming, rising fuel prices, pollution from fossil fuel combustion and other problems associated with energy generation in the Northeast are not limited by political boundaries, and neither are the solutions. From an environmental and economic perspective, cross-border cooperation is crucial to creating a sustainable energy system for the region.
Background
A key component of ENE's mission is to address environmental issues in the bioregional context of the Northeast and Eastern Canada, recognizing that the two regions share a common air...
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As parallel reforms are taking place in the New England states, Eastern Canada is also involved in setting an energy policy agenda and identifying solutions that can be implemented at the provincial and regional level. Current issues and initiatives include:
- Establishing well-funded efficiency programs
- Expanding demand-side resources
- Siting and developing clean energy sources
- Transmission, infrastructure and energy imports/exports
- Establishing carbon regulations for large final emitters
These solutions are advancing at the regional and provincial levels. The New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers have formed working groups and conducted workshops to develop a strategy for reducing emissions in the energy sector. Advocates and officials are conducting formal and informal discussions amongst potential cross-border energy trade partners, including Maine, New Brunswick and Quebec regarding cap and trade programs, transmission and infrastructure issues. Individual provinces are exploring possibilities for increasing investments in efficiency and CHP.
Advocates such as the Atlantic Canada Sustainable Energy Coalition, ENE and others are working to advance clean and demand-side energy resources and to encourage region-wide coordination. Developing consistent strategies amongst the states and provinces will help ensure that energy reform policies deliver maximum environmental and economic benefits.
