The Georgetown Climate Center (GCC) played a key role in creating the Governors’ Energy and Climate Coalition, a bi-partisan group that is voicing its support for comprehensive federal climate and energy policy while promoting a strong role for the states. The GCC continues to serve as the convener for the Coalition.

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, one of the Coalition Governors, with Vicki Arroyo, executive director of the Georgetown Climate Center.

The Coalition represents every region of the country, includes more than half of all U.S. states, and is committed to working together to inform sound state and federal climate policy.  On May 21, 2009, the coalition was formed and released its Statement of Principles, pledging to lend its collective voice in calling on Congress to pass legislation that invests in clean energy and sets a cap on greenhouse gas emissions.

"States are where the green economy is being built,” the Governors said, vowing to work with Congress and the Administration “to develop a strong state-federal partnership to create and preserve our jobs and industry, keep the United States competitive abroad, and at the same time address climate change threats.”

***

On July 22, 2009, several Coalition Governors testified at a Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing, “Clean Energy Jobs, Climate-Related Policies & Economic Growth – State & Local Views.” Read the testimony of Gov. Chris Gregoire of Washington, Gov. Jon Corzine of New Jersey, and Gov. Bill Ritter of Colorado.

See also: Governors' Energy and Climate Coalition Calls for Action

See also: Governors Laud House Passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act