2006

Western Governorslaunched the Clean and Diversified Energy Initiative with the adoption of a resolution that established three important goals for the West:

• Develop an additional 30,000 megawatts of clean energy by 2015 from both traditional and renewable sources
• Achieve a 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020
• Ensure a reliable and secure transmission grid for the next 25 years.

The Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee (CDEAC) was commissioned by the Western Governors to identify technically and financially viable policy mechanisms, stressing non-mandatory, incentive-based approaches, to meet the goals established in the Governors' resolution. (June 2006)

CDEAC Task Force reports

Advanced Coal

Biomass - Supply Addendum

Energy Efficiency

Geothermal

Solar

Transmission

Wind

Western states contain the vast majority of publicly owned lands. Management of these lands impact the social and economic fabric of adjacent rural Western communities. As much of the West continues experiencing unprecedented population growth, the traditional tension between growth and preservation has escalated for these lands and the communities.

This white paper traces the history of land conservation in the West and the seeds of collaborative approaches reaching back to federal statutes enacted in the 1960s. The case studies show how traditional adversaries in three Western communities were able to avoid impasse and come together to hammer out difficult compromises to accommodate most interests. Success has not been fully realized in all cases, but the difficult work continues. (June 2006)

Governors identify water issues and make recommendations for dealing with expected growth, uses and rights.