NEG/ECP Initiatives

The Conference is a unique and highly effective international relationship of states and provinces sharing ideas and building on historic ties. It advances the interests of the eleven jurisdictions through cooperation and encourages cooperation with the private sector. Over the years, the Conference has addressed many topics, including the environment, economic development, tourism, energy, fisheries, trade, and agriculture. Some specific accomplishments include:

• implementation of a regional program to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions;
• adoption of principles of a good neighbour environmental relationship;
• adoption of action plans to address acid rain and mercury deposition;
• sponsorship of 10 international roundtables on energy, and publication of energy inventories/profiles;
• international tourism projects to promote the New England/Eastern Canadian region; and
• adoption of the Mystic Covenant, a pledge to strengthen and promote trade relations.

Committee Activities:

Trade and Globalization

The Standing Committee on Trade and Globalization was established by the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers in July 2000 (Resolution 25-6) to examine and make recommendations regarding issues, opportunities, and constraints related to trade and globalization, relative to the New England and Eastern Canadian regions.

At the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in July 2000, Resolutions 25-2, 25-3, 25-6, and 25-7 were adopted establishing the Standing Committee on Trade and Globalization, and mandating the Committee to:

• work with road, rail, marine, and air operators with a goal of strengthening transportation services and infrastructure;
• consider the establishment of a forum of key knowledge economy innovators to facilitate information sharing and the creation of potential linkages and joint collaborative efforts; and
• work with the business community to meet the mandate and goals of the Conference’s future activities.

The Committee met twice since its establishment - in Boston, Massachusetts and in Montreal, Québec; and has held numerous teleconferences and bi-lateral discussions working towards meeting the goals of the resolutions. Discussions at these meetings were focused on:

• establishing the work plan and priorities;
• knowledge industry Innovators’ Forum, scheduled for June 22-23, 2001 in Fredericton, New Brunswick;
• Trade & Transportation Infrastructure Study; and
• information sharing related to Summit of the Americas, trade development, energy, and trade policy.

Environment

The Committee on the Environment met once in Boston, Massachusetts in May of 2000 in preparation for the NEG/ECP Conference in July. The Committee on the Environment charged the Acid Rain Steering Committee and the Mercury Task Force with the implementation of the Acid Rain and Mercury Action Plans respectively. The following is a synopsis of the activities undertaken in acid rain and mercury :

• two scientific reports were published and will provide scientific information in understanding critical issues pertaining to acid deposition in lakes and rivers;
• implementation of the fine particulate, forest mapping, data exchange, and water monitoring initiatives;
• a report on technology options and recommendations for reducing mercury and acid rain precursors emissions from boilers was produced, which outlines reduction targets;
• a regional mercury monitoring and deposition modeling system was initiated;
• policy concepts for mercury education and reduction programs were developed; and
• a public opinion survey to measure public awareness of acid rain and mercury was conducted.

The Committee on the Environment, in collaboration with the Northeast International Committee on Energy, and the Province of New Brunswick, organized a climate change conference in March 2000 to examine the regional impacts of global warming, to discuss options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and to clarify the need for this region to adapt to climate change.

Energy

The Northeast International Committee on Energy (NICE) met twice during the 2000-2001 year — in May via teleconference, and in February in Montréal, Québec, during which members continued to share information regarding energy deregulation and energy developments. At the July Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, NICE was directed to continue to monitor developments in regional energy markets, cooperate with the Committee on the Environment on the development of a regional climate change action plan, and to examine ways to reduce levels of energy consumption through demand-side management, energy efficiency and new technology. At the February meeting the committee decided to begin work on a graphical energy database that will illustrate energy resources, infrastructure and transmission systems in each jurisdiction, and compile a report on current energy efficiency programs as a means of identifying comprehensive conservation measures for the region.