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BC, 3 US states sign accord for ‘Pacific North America’
What Arnold Schwarzenegger was really doing at the Olympics
There is a battle on for the soul of this country. It is not being conducted in our national legislature, blind and neutered by the Harper gang, but in innumerable councils and summits churning out a patchwork of treaties and accords safely insulated from accountability to the people. Now we know what Schwarzenneger was really up to in BC: to sit down and sign an economic and environmental treaty spanning BC, Oregon, Washington, and California.
Under the auspices of the ‘Pacific Coast Collaborative’s most recent MOU, Gordon Campbell has once again signed away a little bit of British Columbia’s sovereignty by executive fiat. You can watch the leader’s brief video statements here. While specifics from within the summit are hard to come by – unless of course you’ve gone looking for the non-searchable PDF press release found here that calls for a ‘Pacific North America’ by 2030.
The general idea was summed up by the Governator when he said, “More and more, the UN and the national governments recognize that the ’sub-national’ governments are really the ones that, in the end, can put the pressure on and create the action that is needed…” This is precisely the end run around federal sovereignty the UN called for in the days prior to Copenhagen’s failure. For green taxation, this signals a regrouping. For Canada, this spells the death of economic sovereignty by a thousand cuts.
For more of the thinking behind this, see the Richard Florida article from 2007, Toronto part of ‘transnational mega-region’.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2010PREM0028-000157
Feb. 12, 2010
Office of the Premier Offices of the Governors of California, Oregon and Washington
PACIFIC LEADERS TAKE ACTION ON CLEAN ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, OCEAN CONSERVATION VANCOUVER, B.C.
Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington have signed onto a series of joint actions that will help create jobs, strengthen the Pacific Coast economy, advance action on climate change and clean energy, and protect the marine environment.
The actions were ratified today during the inaugural Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Established by British Columbia’s premier and Pacific Coast governors in June 2008, the collaborative’s founding agreement pledges the participating governments to forge a partnership for leadership, co-operative action, and a common voice on issues affecting the Pacific coast region.
The meeting was hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia and chaired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington, and Secretary of State Kate Brown representing the state of Oregon, and Governor Ted Kulongoski also attended. The forum took advantage of participants being in Vancouver to attend the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
“The agreements signed today are an important step towards advancing North America’s West Coast as a global leader in the new low-carbon economy, ocean health, renewable energy and transportation,” said Premier Campbell. “I want to thank the governors for coming to British Columbia to help us celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and for continuing to work with us to build a strong economy and sustainable region for our citizens.”
“The actions we are taking today will build a stronger economy and a stronger environment for communities throughout the Pacific region and beyond,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The Pacific Coast Collaborative has shown that by taking meaningful action and showing determined leadership, the rest of the world will follow the steps we are taking to build a better future. I want to thank Premier Campbell, Governor Gregoire and Governor Kulongoski for helping our entire region move forward through this important collaborative.” “Those of us here today recognize the challenges of a changing climate and a changing economy,” Governor Gregoire said. “By acting together, we can show the world that it is possible, and necessary, to embrace solutions that address both.”
“These agreements demonstrate our collective commitment to protecting the health of the West Coast’s ocean and the ecosystems and economies that depend on them,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Taking strong action now means a stronger tomorrow for our coastal communities.”
Two action plans were signed by the leaders today: Innovation, the Environment and the Economy; and Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation.
The Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy sets out a series of co-operative initiatives to promote renewable and low-carbon energy and energy conservation, including developing Interstate 5/Highway 99 as a green transportation corridor. It also promotes development of high-speed rail from San Diego to Vancouver and the move to “Green Ports” through co-operation to reduce local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation focuses on co-operation on invasive species, reductions in toxins and other pollutants, promoting sustainable fisheries management and research into impacts from climate change and adaptation options.
The forum also saw the leaders consider and release for further discussion and public input a “Vision 2030” paper intended to serve as a living document for the Pacific Coast Collaborative. The paper sets out a strategic vision for the future of Pacific North America and regional collaboration. The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.
The leaders also unveiled a new, shared PCC website to facilitate regional sharing of information and best practices between governments and with citizens. It is online at: http://www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org. The documents signed today can also be found on this site.
Leaders welcomed Oregon Governor Kulongoski’s offer to host and chair the next PCC Leaders Forum in November 2010.
Province of British Columbia: Bridgitte Anderson Press Secretary, Office of the Premier 604 307-7177
State of California Aaron McLear Office of the Governor 916 718-1991
State of Oregon: Jillian E. Schoene Deputy Communications Director Office of Governor Ted Kulongoski 503 378-5040
State of Washington Karina Shagren Communications Office of the Governor 360 902-4122
BACKGROUNDER PACIFIC COAST COLLABORATIVE 2010 ACTION PLANS
The Pacific Coast Collaborative
On June 30, 2008, the premier of British Columbia and the governors of Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Memorandum to Establish the Pacific Coast Collaborative, the first agreement that brings together the Pacific leaders as a common front to set a co-operative direction. The Pacific Coast Collaborative is a formal basis for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and information sharing, and a common voice on issues facing Pacific North America. The following were set as priority areas for action:
- Clean energy
- Regional transportation
- Innovation, research and development
- Sustainable regional economy
- Emergency management
- Any other areas of common interest
The Memorandum establishing the Pacific Coast Collaborative provides a framework for the development, discussion and adoption of specific agreements or action plans applying to all participating jurisdictions or for those applying to as few as just two jurisdictions.
The Feb. 12, 2010 meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia was the first annual Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. During the session, the leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington agreed to two action plans:
1.Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy
Actions on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy include:
- Promote development and delivery of renewable and low carbon energy in areas including: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, tidal/wave energy.
- Support the Western Renewable Energy Zone (WREZ) Project to ensure cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive development of renewable low-carbon energy.
- Share data and best practices to minimize environmental impacts from renewable low-carbon energy development.
- Harmonize definitions of low impact renewable resources, starting with hydropower.
- Seek collaborations on forest product innovation for renewable energy.
Actions on Energy Conservation include:
- Participate in Pacific Coast symposia on energy equipment.
- Encourage a “Conservation First” program for regional electrical, gas utilities to encourage lower consumer energy demand, and collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.
- Promote a wood-building culture and regional forest product innovations for renewable energy.
- Collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.
- Share information on efficiency standards in building codes.
- Leverage energy-efficiency standards for public buildings.
- Partner to promote green and living communities.
- Collaborate on a vision to establish “net-zero community energy” homes and buildings.
Actions on Transportation include:
- Work with government agencies and private sector partners on further study into a high-speed passenger rail from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C.
- Build a Pacific Green Highway through continued support for transformation of Interstate 5 (US) / Highway 99 (B.C.) corridor to establish infrastructure for alternative fuels including through public-private partnerships.
- Collaborate and share information such as permitting, codes and standards on all electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and hydrogen vehicles; maximize results from research and commercialization efforts.
- Create consistent roadside signage for alternative fuel stations.
- Collaborate on next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel blends.Collaborate on public fleet vehicle purchases to maximise purchase leverage.
- Maximize results from university research and commercialization efforts.
- Work towards “Green Ports” through synchronized policies and regulations that provide incentives for and encourage development of innovative and sustainable technologies to reduce fine particulates, hazardous air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
2.Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Actions on Ocean Health and Conservation include:
- Co-operate on the prevention and clean-up of marine debris.
- Co-operate to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive species.
- Collaborate on best practices for reducing risks from toxins and non point source pollution.
- Promote sustainable fisheries management.
Actions on Coastal Climate Change Adaptation include:
- Research and share data on impacts from possible changes to marine and coastal environments and changes in ocean acidity.
- Share information to address adaptation needs such flood protection and land use decisions.
Actions on Ocean Research and Innovation include:
- Support funding by federal governments for the long-term maintenance of ocean observing systems.
- Support sharing of ocean research and innovation including seafloor mapping.
BACKGROUNDER VISION 2030: POSITIONING PACIFIC NORTH AMERICA FOR SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY
Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington released for public input a discussion paper, “Vision 2030”. The paper sets out a strategic vision for regional collaboration. It attempts to answer the question: “What could Pacific North America look like in 2030?“
The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.
“Vision 2030” outlines a possible future under the headings of:
- Harnessing the Power of Collaboration
- A Sustainable Regional Economy in 2030
- Creating Green jobs Building Economically
- Sustainable Communities An Innovative Economy
- Creating Regional Networks of Innovation
- Providing Innovative Education and Skills
- Training A Low-Carbon Economy
- Promoting Renewable Energy
- Accelerating Clean Transportation
- Connecting High Speed Rail Utilizing Green Ports
- A Conservation Economy Building a Smart Grid
- Constructing Green Buildings and Communities
- Getting to Zero Waste
- Promoting Resource Conservation
- A Secure Regional Economy
- Establishing Emergency Management
- Systems Adapting to Climate Change.
The document was released Feb. 12, 2010 by the Premier of British Columbia and the governors of California, Oregon and Washington on the occasion of the first Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative in Vancouver, B.C.
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
What Arnold Schwarzenegger was really doing at the Olympics
There is a battle on for the soul of this country. It is not being conducted in our national legislature, blind and neutered by the Harper gang, but in innumerable councils and summits churning out a patchwork of treaties and accords safely insulated from accountability to the people. Now we know what Schwarzenneger was really up to in BC: to sit down and sign an economic and environmental treaty spanning BC, Oregon, Washington, and California.
Under the auspices of the ‘Pacific Coast Collaborative’s most recent MOU, Gordon Campbell has once again signed away a little bit of British Columbia’s sovereignty by executive fiat. You can watch the leader’s brief video statements here. While specifics from within the summit are hard to come by – unless of course you’ve gone looking for the non-searchable PDF press release found here that calls for a ‘Pacific North America’ by 2030.
The general idea was summed up by the Governator when he said, “More and more, the UN and the national governments recognize that the ’sub-national’ governments are really the ones that, in the end, can put the pressure on and create the action that is needed…” This is precisely the end run around federal sovereignty the UN called for in the days prior to Copenhagen’s failure. For green taxation, this signals a regrouping. For Canada, this spells the death of economic sovereignty by a thousand cuts.
For more of the thinking behind this, see the Richard Florida article from 2007, Toronto part of ‘transnational mega-region’.
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2010PREM0028-000157
Feb. 12, 2010
Office of the Premier Offices of the Governors of California, Oregon and Washington
PACIFIC LEADERS TAKE ACTION ON CLEAN ENERGY, TRANSPORTATION, OCEAN CONSERVATION VANCOUVER, B.C.
Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington have signed onto a series of joint actions that will help create jobs, strengthen the Pacific Coast economy, advance action on climate change and clean energy, and protect the marine environment.
The actions were ratified today during the inaugural Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. Established by British Columbia’s premier and Pacific Coast governors in June 2008, the collaborative’s founding agreement pledges the participating governments to forge a partnership for leadership, co-operative action, and a common voice on issues affecting the Pacific coast region.
The meeting was hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell of British Columbia and chaired by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California. Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington, and Secretary of State Kate Brown representing the state of Oregon, and Governor Ted Kulongoski also attended. The forum took advantage of participants being in Vancouver to attend the opening of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
“The agreements signed today are an important step towards advancing North America’s West Coast as a global leader in the new low-carbon economy, ocean health, renewable energy and transportation,” said Premier Campbell. “I want to thank the governors for coming to British Columbia to help us celebrate the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and for continuing to work with us to build a strong economy and sustainable region for our citizens.”
“The actions we are taking today will build a stronger economy and a stronger environment for communities throughout the Pacific region and beyond,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “The Pacific Coast Collaborative has shown that by taking meaningful action and showing determined leadership, the rest of the world will follow the steps we are taking to build a better future. I want to thank Premier Campbell, Governor Gregoire and Governor Kulongoski for helping our entire region move forward through this important collaborative.” “Those of us here today recognize the challenges of a changing climate and a changing economy,” Governor Gregoire said. “By acting together, we can show the world that it is possible, and necessary, to embrace solutions that address both.”
“These agreements demonstrate our collective commitment to protecting the health of the West Coast’s ocean and the ecosystems and economies that depend on them,” Governor Kulongoski said. “Taking strong action now means a stronger tomorrow for our coastal communities.”
Two action plans were signed by the leaders today: Innovation, the Environment and the Economy; and Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation.
The Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy sets out a series of co-operative initiatives to promote renewable and low-carbon energy and energy conservation, including developing Interstate 5/Highway 99 as a green transportation corridor. It also promotes development of high-speed rail from San Diego to Vancouver and the move to “Green Ports” through co-operation to reduce local air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation focuses on co-operation on invasive species, reductions in toxins and other pollutants, promoting sustainable fisheries management and research into impacts from climate change and adaptation options.
The forum also saw the leaders consider and release for further discussion and public input a “Vision 2030” paper intended to serve as a living document for the Pacific Coast Collaborative. The paper sets out a strategic vision for the future of Pacific North America and regional collaboration. The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.
The leaders also unveiled a new, shared PCC website to facilitate regional sharing of information and best practices between governments and with citizens. It is online at: http://www.pacificcoastcollaborative.org. The documents signed today can also be found on this site.
Leaders welcomed Oregon Governor Kulongoski’s offer to host and chair the next PCC Leaders Forum in November 2010.
Province of British Columbia: Bridgitte Anderson Press Secretary, Office of the Premier 604 307-7177
State of California Aaron McLear Office of the Governor 916 718-1991
State of Oregon: Jillian E. Schoene Deputy Communications Director Office of Governor Ted Kulongoski 503 378-5040
State of Washington Karina Shagren Communications Office of the Governor 360 902-4122
BACKGROUNDER PACIFIC COAST COLLABORATIVE 2010 ACTION PLANS
The Pacific Coast Collaborative
On June 30, 2008, the premier of British Columbia and the governors of Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington signed the Memorandum to Establish the Pacific Coast Collaborative, the first agreement that brings together the Pacific leaders as a common front to set a co-operative direction. The Pacific Coast Collaborative is a formal basis for co-operative action, a forum for leadership and information sharing, and a common voice on issues facing Pacific North America. The following were set as priority areas for action:
- Clean energy
- Regional transportation
- Innovation, research and development
- Sustainable regional economy
- Emergency management
- Any other areas of common interest
The Memorandum establishing the Pacific Coast Collaborative provides a framework for the development, discussion and adoption of specific agreements or action plans applying to all participating jurisdictions or for those applying to as few as just two jurisdictions.
The Feb. 12, 2010 meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia was the first annual Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative. During the session, the leaders of British Columbia, California, Oregon and Washington agreed to two action plans:
1.Action Plan on Innovation, the Environment and the Economy
Actions on Renewable and Low Carbon Energy include:
- Promote development and delivery of renewable and low carbon energy in areas including: solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower, tidal/wave energy.
- Support the Western Renewable Energy Zone (WREZ) Project to ensure cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive development of renewable low-carbon energy.
- Share data and best practices to minimize environmental impacts from renewable low-carbon energy development.
- Harmonize definitions of low impact renewable resources, starting with hydropower.
- Seek collaborations on forest product innovation for renewable energy.
Actions on Energy Conservation include:
- Participate in Pacific Coast symposia on energy equipment.
- Encourage a “Conservation First” program for regional electrical, gas utilities to encourage lower consumer energy demand, and collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.
- Promote a wood-building culture and regional forest product innovations for renewable energy.
- Collaborate on pilot projects for industrial energy efficiency.
- Share information on efficiency standards in building codes.
- Leverage energy-efficiency standards for public buildings.
- Partner to promote green and living communities.
- Collaborate on a vision to establish “net-zero community energy” homes and buildings.
Actions on Transportation include:
- Work with government agencies and private sector partners on further study into a high-speed passenger rail from San Diego to Vancouver, B.C.
- Build a Pacific Green Highway through continued support for transformation of Interstate 5 (US) / Highway 99 (B.C.) corridor to establish infrastructure for alternative fuels including through public-private partnerships.
- Collaborate and share information such as permitting, codes and standards on all electric and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles and hydrogen vehicles; maximize results from research and commercialization efforts.
- Create consistent roadside signage for alternative fuel stations.
- Collaborate on next generation biofuels, including cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel blends.Collaborate on public fleet vehicle purchases to maximise purchase leverage.
- Maximize results from university research and commercialization efforts.
- Work towards “Green Ports” through synchronized policies and regulations that provide incentives for and encourage development of innovative and sustainable technologies to reduce fine particulates, hazardous air pollutants, greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
2.Action Plan on Ocean Conservation and Coastal Climate Change Adaptation Actions on Ocean Health and Conservation include:
- Co-operate on the prevention and clean-up of marine debris.
- Co-operate to prevent or reduce the spread of invasive species.
- Collaborate on best practices for reducing risks from toxins and non point source pollution.
- Promote sustainable fisheries management.
Actions on Coastal Climate Change Adaptation include:
- Research and share data on impacts from possible changes to marine and coastal environments and changes in ocean acidity.
- Share information to address adaptation needs such flood protection and land use decisions.
Actions on Ocean Research and Innovation include:
- Support funding by federal governments for the long-term maintenance of ocean observing systems.
- Support sharing of ocean research and innovation including seafloor mapping.
BACKGROUNDER VISION 2030: POSITIONING PACIFIC NORTH AMERICA FOR SUSTAINABLE PROSPERITY
Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington released for public input a discussion paper, “Vision 2030”. The paper sets out a strategic vision for regional collaboration. It attempts to answer the question: “What could Pacific North America look like in 2030?“
The objective is to ensure that west coast jurisdictions achieve global leadership in sustainable economic development – attracting new jobs and encouraging investment and innovation while enhancing an already unparalleled quality of life.
“Vision 2030” outlines a possible future under the headings of:
- Harnessing the Power of Collaboration
- A Sustainable Regional Economy in 2030
- Creating Green jobs Building Economically
- Sustainable Communities An Innovative Economy
- Creating Regional Networks of Innovation
- Providing Innovative Education and Skills
- Training A Low-Carbon Economy
- Promoting Renewable Energy
- Accelerating Clean Transportation
- Connecting High Speed Rail Utilizing Green Ports
- A Conservation Economy Building a Smart Grid
- Constructing Green Buildings and Communities
- Getting to Zero Waste
- Promoting Resource Conservation
- A Secure Regional Economy
- Establishing Emergency Management
- Systems Adapting to Climate Change.
The document was released Feb. 12, 2010 by the Premier of British Columbia and the governors of California, Oregon and Washington on the occasion of the first Leaders’ Forum of the Pacific Coast Collaborative in Vancouver, B.C.
For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.
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