British Columbia (BC) is joining the states of Alaska, Washington, Oregon and California to collaborate on energy and climate issues that affect the entire Pacific Coast region under an agreement announced at the annual meeting of the Western Governors’ Association.

Participants in the Pacific Coast Collaborative would share concerns and ideas related to energy issues, regional transportation and transit, alternative fuel distribution and developing a sustainable regional economy.

“I believe that we will establish a legacy of engagement among the leaders that will lead to cooperative action on critical issues that face our region both now and in the future,” said BC Premier Gordon Campbell. The accord forges “a common front to set a cooperative direction into the Pacific century.”

The Pacific Coast states and British Columbia also plan to cooperate on climate change issues and on emergency management topics. Every year an annual meeting among the participants, rotated around the region, would be convened.

Coastal states and provinces face unique issues, and the agreement allows them to look beyond “artificial boundaries,” said Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire. “We may divide states by some fictitious line, but we don’t divide our water, don’t divide our air.”

Added California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, “One state alone cannot solve the fight against climate change, or protect our entire ocean, or clean the air we all share.”

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