California signs carbon trading deal with Manitoba

SACRAMENTO
December 14, 2006 1:16pm

California and Manitoba on Thursday pledged to work cooperatively to advance greenhouse gas emission reductions, particularly in the areas of clean energy, sustainable transportation and sustainable agriculture.

“This agreement with Manitoba, along with California's other agreements with the United Kingdom, Northeast states and others will address an issue that our federal government has yet to tackle," says Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

As part of the five-year agreement signed by Mr. Schwarzenegger and Manitoba Premier Gary Doer, Manitoba intends take steps to continue to support greenhouse gas reduction goals and to enable credit-trading opportunities, particularly for sustainable on-farm practices.

Initial work will explore credit-trading opportunities between Manitoba and California, especially on off set credit trading protocols for livestock management, the governor’s office says.

California and Manitoba also agreed to continue sharing advanced technology and expertise for climate change mitigation.

The two governments also agreed to work together to enhance business and trade partnerships to advance low-emissions vehicle technology including hybrid and hydrogen bus development and the plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Manitoba will exchange its expertise in geothermal technologies with California's knowledge of solar power technologies under terms of the memorandum of understanding. Additionally, the two governments promise to share information on residential and commercial building efficiency, waste minimization and transportation and agricultural initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"The science is clear. The global warming debate is over. We have a responsibility to act decisively to slow or even stop climate change," says Mr. Schwarzenegger. "But California cannot do it alone. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a global effort.”