2008

This report is based on a multi-state and collaborative effort that included six separate working groups, each of which was charged with developing findings and recommendations on various aspects of wildlife corridors and crucial habitat.

These Working Groups are as follows: Science Committee; Oil & Gas Working Group; Energy Working Group; Climate Change Working Group; Land Use Working Group; and Transportation Working Group.

This report is a compilation of the work achieved by the six working groups. The report was approved by the Governors with the understanding and condition that implementation of the report will be coordinated and overseen by the Western Governors' Association through the Western Wildlife Habitat Council that will be established under WGA. (2008)

The 2006 WGA report Water Needs and Strategies for a Sustainable Future contained broad ranging recommendations to address the ever-increasing challenges associated with water management in the West. The progress to date and the "next steps" identified in this 2008 report represent a productive start in implementing these recommendations in what will be an ongoing process. (2008)

The Governors' Advisory Committee on Transportation Fuels for the Future has proposed strategies to accelerate the development of alternative transportation fuels that hold the promise of reducing the risks to our energy security, environment and economy posed by our near total dependence on petroleum for conventional transportation fuel. The Advisory Committee also proposes strategies for improving vehicle fuel efficiency.

Alternative fuels considered included biofuels (ethanol, biomethane/biogas, and biobutanol), bio- and renewable-diesel, electricity, coal-to-liquids, natural gas/propane and hydrogen. (2008)

This summary of the WGA workshop "Deploying Near-Zero Technologies for Coal: A Path Forward," held in 2007, identifies concepts that western state governments could consider to facilitate the technical and regulatory pathways for deployment of near-zero-emission coal-fired power plants. The workshop was part of a continuing effort by the WGA to implement the recommendations of the Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee convened by the Governors to increase new clean energy generation in the West by 30,000 megawatts by 2015. (2008)

The report includes recommended policies and best practices for energy-efficient building that could dramatically reduce the demand for energy and water, while providing a boost to the region's economy. The recommendations included in the report were developed by stakeholders participating in a workshop held last year. Participants included representatives of building industries, utilities, public interest groups, all levels of government and energy service companies. (2008)