PREMIER TO DISCUSS SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE WITH WESTERN GOVERNORS

Premier Lorne Calvert will attend the Western Governors' Association (WGA) 2007 Annual Meeting in Deadwood, South Dakota, June 9-12, where the topic of environmentally sustainable energy development will be a primary focus.

Premier Calvert is one of two Canadian premiers scheduled to attend this year's WGA meeting, which will include plenary sessions and keynote addresses on topics such as:

• carbon sequestration; 
• integration of renewable energy sources and clean coal into existing power grids; 
• investment and development of renewable energy projects; 
• coping with climate change; and
• how the agricultural economy is changing as a result of factors such as climate change and the biofuel industry.

Premier Calvert noted that the timing and the focus of the WGA Annual Meeting is particularly opportune. The meeting comes in advance of the Province's announcement of a new energy and climate change plan, expected later this month.

"Saskatchewan has a great story to tell when it comes to the work we are already doing on sustainable energy development and the work that is about to be done as part of our new strategy," Calvert said. "This meeting gives me the opportunity to share that story with other western leaders and affirm our province's commitment to address climate change while continuing to grow our economy through the development and implementation of clean energy sources."

The Premier will be sharing Saskatchewan's perspective on these issues in a number of plenary sessions. He will also be identifying and discussing new opportunities for closer Province-State collaboration in these areas, including research and technology development for new energy sources, with his American counterparts.

Premier Calvert has scheduled a private meeting with Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, who is considered a leader in the Western U.S. in the areas of sustainable energy and climate change. The Premier and the Governor will discuss possible opportunities for co-operation on climate change initiatives, managing adaptation to change and energy sector initiatives. Like Saskatchewan, Arizona is actively pursuing new clean-energy technologies in such areas as clean coal, solar, hydrogen and uranium.

Premiers Calvert and and Manitoba Premier Gary Doer also have scheduled a meeting with U.S. federal Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns regarding the international trade and biofuel implications of the 2007 Farm Bill. A meeting is also scheduled with Canadian Ambassador to the United States, Michael Wilson.

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For more information, contact:

Jay Branch
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6349
Email: jay.branch@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-539-3994