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New England and Eastern Canada agree efficiency goals

New England five Eastern Canadian Provinces have agreed to a series of actions to boost energy efficiency and renewables across the region.

Led by Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, the US Governors and Canadian Premiers will set a goal of reducing energy use in buildings by at least 20% by 2020 and adopt the highest energy efficiency building standards.

The regional leaders will also look at the possibility of introducing a low carbon fuel standard to reduce the carbon intensity and greenhouse gas emissions from transport fuels.

Separately, the US Governors will ask the Department of Energy to consider a 90% efficiency standard for natural gas and propane furnaces for the region, which could save the average household $3600 in fuel costs annually.

State leaders in New England also agreed to follow the lead of Massachusetts, which set a goal on installing 250 MW of solar power by 2017 – and work together on promoting solar power.

Meanwhile, two regions with the greatest potential in marine energy – Maine and Nova Scotia – signed a separate memorandum of understanding to work together.

The two will share information on tidal and offshore wind energy and look at ways to bring together researchers, policymakers and industry.

For further information:
www.mass.gov
www.doe.gov
www.maine.gov/
www.gov.ns.ca/

14 July 2010

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