Co-Chair Governor Chafee hosts summation press conference
La Malbaie, Quebec – During a press conference yesterday afternoon (Sept. 9), Governor Lincoln D. Chafee, the co-chair of the 37th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP), described the last two days of roundtable discussions and private meetings as fruitful, collaborative and relationship-strengthening. The governors and premiers explored themes of common interest regarding clean energy such as hydropower; greater use of energy-efficient vehicles; addressing and mitigating climate change; railway transportation; and mutual assistance in the event of an emergency.
"Through these meetings, we were able to build and improve our already existing collaborations. The governors and premiers learned more about shared interests and how we can work together on vital regional issues," said Governor Chafee, who led the press conference with Quebec's Premier Pauline Marois. "During the 37th conference, we also reminded each other how important it is to work across jurisdictional lines to ensure the best possible outcomes."
The leaders passed six resolutions, which covered clean energy, alternative fuel vehicles, transportation, climate change, mutual aid in an emergency situation and rail transportation safety. To view the resolutions, see link below.
Next year, New Hampshire's Governor Maggie Hassan will host the 2014 summer meeting.
The NEG/ECP conference is an inter-regional, bi-national, trans-border organization established in 1973 in recognition of the special bond that exists between the six New England states and the five Eastern Canadian provinces. Its members are the governors and the premiers of those provinces and states. The meetings are held alternately in New England and Eastern Canada.