Low-Carbon Energy

PCC > Priorities > Clean Energy > Low-Carbon Energy

Pacific North America's increasing energy requirements and ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction and clean energy targets require greater investment and innovation in the areas of low-carbon energy and technologies. The region's abundant renewable energy sources include hydroelectric, tidal, wind, geothermal and solar, giving it a natural advantage for new opportunities to meet the world's growing energy demands with clean, renewable power.

Regional Best Practices:

The Alaska Clean Energy Plan, released in January 2009 unveiled a new state energy development plan focused on renewable energy sources and set a long-range goal of generating 50 percent of the state's electricity with renewable resources by 2025.
The Renewable Energy Alaska Project has developed a Renewable Energy Atlas to provide a comprehensive overview of Alaska's renewable resources.
The BC Energy Plan looks to all forms of clean, alternative energy in meeting British Columbians’ needs in the provincial economy. The plan’s policy actions will mean more jobs, new investment and ultimately greater prosperity for British Columbia.
The California Air Resources Board has adopted the first in the world Low Carbon Fuel Standard. This standard will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from California's transportation fuels by ten percent by 2020.
Oregon’s 2007-2009 Energy Plan continues the progress the state has made in reducing dependence on foreign oil and achieving energy independence.
Washington Governor Chris Gregoire believes it is imperative to create and maintain an ample supply of clean energy to support the state’s economic competitiveness and preserve its environment. Learn more about Washington's work on energy in the new millennium.

News From the Region

February 12, 2010: Pacific Leaders Take Action on Clean Energy, Transportation, Ocean Conservation

VANCOUVER, BC: Leaders from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington have signed on to 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.

December 17, 2009: B.C. Working with California to Reduce Vehicle Emissions

VICTORIA, BC /SACRAMENTO, CA – British Columbia and the California Air Resources Board have signed a MOU to pave the way for stringent greenhouse gas emissions standards for new light-duty vehicles.

December 15, 2009: Gov. Schwarzenegger Urges World Leaders to Embrace Subnational Leadership in Climate Change Fight

December 10, 2009: Gov. Gregoire leaving for Copenhagen for international climate change summit

December 7, 2009: B.C. to Showcase Climate Action in Copenhagen

VANCOUVER - Premier Gordon Campbell will join the Canadian delegation, other sub-national leaders and global heads of state to discuss the future of climate action at the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, Dec. 14-16.

November 2, 2009: Task Force, Cabinet Committee to Lead Green Energy Development in BC

October 12, 2009: Gov. Schwarzenegger and Secretary Salazar Sign MOU to Expedite Renewable Energy Development in California

'We know our future is in clean power, clean energy and clean technology, and we are taking action so California will be able to meet its ambitious renewable energy and environmental goals.'

October 9, 2009: B.C., Washington State Partner on Cross Border Opportunities

SEATTLE – Premier Gordon Campbell and Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signed a framework agreement today that will see B.C. and Washington co-operate on transportation and other initiatives, including developing a shared vision for high-speed rail service.