State and Local Reporter - 11/06/2007 (Plain Text Version)

Thomas Woods, Chair
Independence, Missouri

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In this issue:
State and Local Green Building Toolkit Launches at SLGA Conference in Austin
SLGA Conference Comes to Austin Nov. 8-10
Oklahoma Immigration Law, Toughest in the Nation, in Effect
Builders Oppose Federal Oversight of State Building Code Process
Voter Outreach: How much is too much?
Montana Legislators Visit Housing Sites During August Recess
NACo Senior Officers Tour NAHB Research Center
Inclusionary Zoning Legislative Survey and Resource Manual Now Available on NAHB.com
Election Update - Vote on Nov. 6
Jindal elected Governor of Louisiana
Chãvez will seek Domenici's seat
States look to Sales Tax for Funds
State, British Columbia Establish Partnership
Corzine Backs Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cuts

Corzine Backs Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cuts

Government leaders of more than 15 governments are gathering to launch the International Carbon Action Partnership, of which Corzine said he is "an enthusiastic signer." In July, New Jersey became the third state to enact a comprehensive greenhouse gas reduction law, and is working on a carbon "cap and trade" program.

The partnership is made up of countries and regions that have implemented or are actively pursuing the implementation of carbon markets through mandatory cap and trade systems. The partnership provides a forum to share experiences and knowledge.

Corzine noted how the United States is far behind Europe in recognizing and combating "a dangerous situation," and hopefully he and New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer can be "pump primers."

"My background as the former head of Goldman Sachs has given me a unique perspective on many market-based solutions to important public problems" Corzine said. "But it is my life in public service that has helped me understand that it will take the courage and commitment of a core set of leaders, like those of us gathered today, to drive implementation of smart, feasible, and measurable policies needed to address an issue as urgent as global warming."

During a conference call with reporters, Corzine and Spitzer said their state administrations are working hard to deal with global warming because the federal government is not taking the lead. They both said they accomplished a lot during their brief stays in Portugal - far more than just adding moral support to a favored environmental cause.

"I don't think we're tilting at windmills here," Corzine said. "I think we're actually getting into the actual details."

Spitzer followed Corzine by saying: "We are having as a dramatic effect as we can have."

Also attending the conference were British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, California Environmental Secretary Linda Adams and Portugese Prime Minister Jose Socrates.

N.J. Star-Ledger, Oct 29, 2007