British Ambassador to the United States Sir Nigel Sheinwald and Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced a "Climate Change Action Agreement" that commits Virginia and the UK to joint efforts to combat the effects of climate change and developing a more climate-friendly economy.

Virginia is the fifth state to enter a climate change agreement with the United Kingdom. Agreements have already been established between the UK and California, Florida, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Under the terms of today's agreement, Virginia and the United Kingdom jointly agree to:

• Share renewable energy experience, with a particular focus on further uses of offshore wind, wave, tidal and current power and waste-to-energy technologies;
• Exchange scientific personnel, expertise and data on the effects of climate change on agriculture, natural resources, environmental quality and public health;
• Discuss best practice on carbon markets and compatibility of design, to facilitate the development of international carbon markets;
• Look for trade opportunities in renewable and other energy technologies;
• Raise public awareness of the effects of climate change.

Nigel Sheinwald said:

"The UK and Virginia have always had deep bonds linking our people, our businesses, our historic universities and colleges, and our cultures.

Our ties are now also reflected in a shared understanding of the challenges of energy security, economic growth and climate change. It's clear that how we meet those challenges will define the economic and environmental health of our two countries, and of states like Virginia, in the 21st century.

Today the UK and Virginia sign an agreement to strengthen our relationship and to work together to cut emissions, increase the use of renewable energy, and better understand the science of climate change. We also want to see greater exchange of green technologies between the UK and Virginia.

At the federal level, the Administration of President Obama has placed high priority on tackling these issues. I know that Governor Kaine has personally shown great leadership in promoting a better understanding of the risks but also the opportunities that arise from the need to lower our emissions. So I am delighted to be able to sign this agreement on behalf of the British Government. Virginia, like the UK, is equipping itself for the future."

Governor Kaine said:

"Virginia and the UK recognize that climate change is a global phenomenon and combating it requires global partnerships.  Sir Nigel and I believe this agreement will help bring together Virginia and UK researchers, entrepreneurs, and environmental educators to achieve greenhouse gas reductions, promote energy efficiency and independence, and promote the development of a green economy.

The UK already gets 5% of its total electricity from renewable sources, and plans to triple that amount by 2015.  The UK currently has more offshore wind capacity than any other country, having overtaken Denmark in 2008.  Offshore wind currently powers the equivalent to 300,000 homes in the UK.

The Virginia Energy Plan, released by Governor Kaine in September 2007, encourages research and development of the state's coastal resources for energy production-including offshore wind, current, and marine biomass production. Virginia's colleges and universities and the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium are considered leaders in the development of this technology domestically while the UK is recognized internationally as a leader in offshore tidal and wind energy research and production."

See also

Read the full agreement

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