West Coast States of California, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia have signed a Statement of Cooperation (SOC) to promote climate action in support of a low-carbon future.
The deal was signed on 6 October in San Francisco.
This new partnership aims to bolster collaboration between the four regional governments on accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy, investing in climate infrastructure, and protecting communities from climate impacts.
The port authority explained that 2021 results were significantly impacted by a series of supply chain disruptions – particularly cargo vessels anchored outside the port complex.
“In California, we punch above our weight when it comes to climate action – but our actions can only do so much without the rest of the world at our side,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom.
“The Pacific Coast is raising the bar for tackling the climate crisis while also ensuring every community is included in our efforts.
“The West will continue to lead the way toward a carbon-free future that supports our economy, our people and our planet.”
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The Pacific Coast of North America supports the ambitious goals of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by at least 80 per cent by 2050.
The statement includes the following commitments:
- Support an equitable and just transition to a low carbon and climate resilient future, emphasising investments in overburdened communities.
- Invest in climate infrastructure, such as EV charging stations, green ports, and a clean and reliable electric grid across the region.
- Protect communities and natural and working lands from wildfire, drought, heat waves, ocean acidification and flooding.
“This new agreement reaffirms our commitments to decarbonise our economies at a time when the consequences of victory or defeat in this effort have never been more acute,” added said Washington Governor Jay Inslee.
“Our partnerships speak to just how diverse and interconnected the green energy economy has already become. We know where it goes from here – onward to a cleaner, cheaper, and more efficient energy economy that averts climate calamity at the same time.
“Together we will invest in an equitable transition to a cleaner future, build the climate infrastructure we need, and protect our communities from climate-driven wildfires, droughts, heat and flooding.”
READ: Port of Seattle to establish world’s first cruise-led green corridor
California has enacted some of the nation’s most aggressive climate measures as Governor Newsom signed a package of legislation to cut pollution and accelerate the state’s transition to clean energy.
