Governor Baldacci Joins British Lawmakers to Discuss Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Press Release

Governor John E. Baldacci joined four members of the British Parliament Tuesday afternoon to discuss greenhouse gas control. The State of Maine is currently working on implementing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) with nine partner states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

"We look forward to replicating the British experience in Maine through implementing Maine's Climate Action Plan," Governor Baldacci said. "In fact, we can use the British experience to our benefit in designing RGGI."

Governor Baldacci met with British Vice Consul Joseph Pickerill, Lord Corbett of Castle Vale, Lord Harrison of Chester, the Right Honorable Greg Knight, Member of Parliament, and the Honorable Greg Mulholland, Member of Parliament. Governor Baldacci said that British government has identified four ways to reduce emissions in Britain.

"They have improved energy efficiency, restructured the energy supply sector in the 1990s by switching from coal to natural gas, used more low-carbon fuels and renewable energy, and they have developed low-energy fuels," the Governor said. "With all of their efforts, UK greenhouse gas emissions fell by more than 13 percent in the 1990s while the economy and employment both grew."

"We wanted to visit Maine because under the leadership of Governor Baldacci, it was the first state in the U.S. to pass a law to set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Right Honorable Greg Knight, MP. "Our only regret is that our visit to Maine is too short."

Ten states are committed to RGGI, with the goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, establishing a national program model for a cap and trade program, promoting the lowest cost reductions of CO2 emissions and to create incentives for cleaner forms of energy and new technologies. Ultimately, RGGI's goal is to reduce CO2 emissions by 10 percent by 2019.

In addition to being a leader on RGGI, Governor Baldacci has positioned Maine as a leader in addressing climate change. Maine now buys 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources; tax credits have been established for the production of biofuels in Maine; an 8 cent per gallon state excise tax reduction is provided for diesel motor fuel containing at least 2 percent biodiesel; rebates are provided for purchasing and installing solar electric, hot air and hot water systems; and Maine has set a goal of 10 percent new renewable power by 2017.

Lord Lyndon Harrison has been a member of the House of Lords since 1999, taking the title of Lord Harrison of Chester. Prior to 1999, Lord Harrison spent 10 years as a Member of the European Parliament.

Lord Robin Corbett was appointed to House of Lords in June of 2001. Lord Corbett of Castle Vale was the Chairman of House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee from 1999-2001 and was elected MP for Birmingham Erdington, representing the area from 1983-2001.

The Right Honorable Greg Knight, MP, entered Parliament in 1983, and was most recently made the Chairman of the House of Commons Procedure Committee in November of 2005.

The Honorable Greg Mulholland, MP, entered Parliament after the 2005 General Election and was appointed to the position of Junior International Development Spokesperson upon entering parliament.

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