Oregon Joins Climate Registry

“Accurate data on the sources of greenhouse gases is critical to reducing those emissions,” stated Governor Ted Kulongoski.

Image courtesy: NOAA

(SALEM) - Oregon has joined 30 states as founding members of The Climate Registry, creating the largest multi-state effort to track and manage the emissions that cause global warming. “Accurate data on the sources of greenhouse gases is critical to reducing those emissions,” stated Governor Ted Kulongoski.

“Oregon continues to be at the forefront of the fight against global warming. And this Registry will let us coordinate our efforts with others across the continent who share our commitment to addressing this growing crisis.” The Climate Registry will provide states and tribes with third-party verified, highly accurate emissions information that is consistent across borders and industry sectors. The Registry will support both voluntary and mandatory GHG emissions reporting programs.

Some states also plan to use The Climate Registry to support market-based programs and emissions reductions programs.

The goal is to have the Registry functional on January 1st, 2008. Joining the Climate Registry was one of the commitments made by Governor Kulongoski and his fellow governors from Washington, California, Arizona and New Mexico, in their recently formed Western Regional Climate Action Initiative.

Other key commitments in the initiative are to develop regional greenhouse gas reduction goals and a market based system such as a load based cap and trade program to achieve the reductions. The list of charter members includes the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the Campo Kumeyaay Nation. Two Canadian provinces, British Columbia and Manitoba, have also committed to participating in The Climate Registry. The announcement signals the launch of an unprecedented cooperative effort in North America.

By working together, Registry members are laying the foundation for climate actions that will benefit generations to come.