Press Release

29/03/2007

Climate change: Governor Schwarzenegger staff welcome to the EP. Anders Wijkman MEP

"California is taking a much-needed lead in the battle against climate change. Cap and trade is becoming a reality despite the opposition of President Bush. This week's Californian study tour in Europe is another step towards bridging the historical EU-US divide", commented Anders Wijkman MEP (EPP-ED, SE) and Chairman of GLOBE EU, hosting a meeting of a high-level Californian delegation in the European Parliament.

The California Climate Action Registry, including senior members of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's cabinet, is visiting the European Parliament as a part of their week-long European Climate Policy Study Trip. The EU Emissions Trading System is one of the hottest items on the agenda as the group discusses climate change policy with Members of the EP.

Recent regional Cap and trade initiatives in the US, as well as ambitious bills in Congress, show that the US has finally woken up to the challenge of climate change. Governor Schwarzenegger's plan to establish a regional emissions market is a particularly welcome move.

A joint commitment from both sides of the Atlantic is crucial in order to deal with the greatest challenge facing mankind. In the absence of strong leadership from the US administration, we must find other ways to move forward. This is why dialogue between policymakers from the EU and the US is so important.

"I hope by working together we can pave the way for a joint emissions trading scheme, global energy efficiency standards, as well as joint cooperation to assist emerging economies like China and India to invest in efficient and low-carbon technologies", concluded Wijkman.

Further information:
Anders Wijkman MEP, Tel: + 32-485-841991
Per Heister, EPP-ED Press Service, Tel: +32-2-2842697

Note to editors:
The EPP-ED Group is the largest political group in the European Parliament with 277 Members from all 27 Member States.