Ontario could join U.S. greenhouse gas initiative

Ontario is considering joining two U.S. state-driven programs to restrict greenhouse gas emissions, premier Dalton McGuinty signaled on Friday.

In a statement, McGuinty said that Ontario could potentially participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and the Western Regional Climate Action Initiative. Both programs are designed to reduce greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, by cooperating on a regional level.

"Building partnerships with our U.S. neighbors to address our shared climate change and air pollution issues is in the best interest of Ontarians," McGuinty said in a statement.

RGGI is a " cap-and-trade" system now being designed which will allow electric power generators to buy and sell emissions credits. This type of trading mechanism has been used to curb air pollutants.

The Western Regional Climate Action Initiative is a similar initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which was recently signed between Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington.

Ontario now has emissions trading for NOx and SO2 (sulfur dioxide) and intends to phase out the use of coal-fired power plants, which are very polluting. Joining RGGI or the Western Initiative could lead to technical improvements in both programs or the establishment of a cross-border program for all emissions, McGuinty's office said.

Governors from California, New York, and Connecticut voiced their support.

"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a global effort, and this interest from Ontario, along with California's agreements with the United Kingdom, Western and Northeastern states and others will continue to inspire other states, provinces and countries to join the fight against global warming," said California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, in a statement.