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The Regional View
Think Globally, Act Locally, Plan Regionally
We have all heard the phrase “think globally, act locally.”
This is especially relevant when it comes to renewable energy. It means we can create renewable energy systems in local communities that benefit the local economy, while at the same time creating green energy that helps reduce carbon emissions into the global atmosphere.
“Think globally, act locally, and plan regionally.”
It starts with the simple recognition that the wind blows across borders, water flows across large watersheds, and the sun knows no boundaries. The power lines, which today carry traditional electrical power, will also carry wind and solar energy tomorrow - creating important energy diversity.
More significantly, energy that starts in the transmission lines of one utility in one province often crosses provincial, state and country lines to deliver power thousands of miles away. But that exchange isn’t always easy. The power moves from one transmission line format in one utility to another, creating challenges in the easy movement of power.
We are already starting to see critical regional thinking come into place to resolve these issues and others. Inspired political leaders are signing energy accords between provinces and states creating a platform for regional energy management. This is the first step to developing a crucial regional strategy to create, transmit, buy and sell energy in a more strategic way.
MILWAUKEE – Ten Midwestern leaders (including) Governor Jim Doyle of Wisconsin… and Premier Gary Doer of Manitoba – today signed the Midwestern Regional Greenhouse Gas Reduction Accord. The historic agreement… will serve as a regional strategy to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming.”
Office of Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, November 15, 2007