BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter on Wednesday joined 12 leaders of other states in signing a declaration pledging cooperation to reduce greenhouse gases.
The document from the Governors’ Global Climate Summit hosted by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says they will develop policy positions on the industries that produce the most greenhouse gases — forestry, agriculture, cement, iron, aluminum, energy and transportation. Those reports then will be forwarded to the United Nations.
Schwarzenegger described the declaration as a significant step and said he hopes it will influence international talks.
“We have to draw people into the debate,” he said. “We have no choice. In the end, we are going to destroy the world.”
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagoje vich said it was incumbent on states to cut emissions because of the lack of action so far at the federal level.
In addition to Ritter and Schwarzenegger, the statement was signed by Republican Govs. Charlie Crist of Florida and Jon Huntsman of Utah and Democratic Govs. Blagoje vich; Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas; Deval Patrick, Massachusetts; Jennifer Granholm, Michigan; Martin O’Malley, Maryland; David Paterson, New York; Ted Kulongoski, Oregon; Christine Gregoir, Washington; and Jim Doyl, Wisconsin.
Regional leaders from Mexico, Canada, Brazil and Indonesia also signed the declaration.
