Clean energy, trade with Canada, and cannabis policy dominate the discussion.
CONEG Chair, Governor Phil Scott (VT) convened the CONEG governors winter breakfast meeting on Sunday, February 24 in Washington, DC. The purpose of the meeting was to assemble a roundtable discussion on regional issues.
In attendance were Governor Phil Scott (VT), Governor Charlie Baker (MA), Governor Chris Sununu (NH), and Governor Janet Mills (ME). Governor Scott welcomed Governor Mills as the newest member of CONEG.
In their roundtable discussion, the governors discussed several issues facing the region around clean energy, the importance of trade with Canada, and cannabis policy.
The governors shared their concerns around availability of clean, affordable energy while at the same time focusing on continued commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the Northeast.
The governors expressed their concern over tariffs imposed by the Administration and are hopeful that Congress will pass a trade deal that allows for the continued flow of goods across the border.
Governors Sununu and Scott highlighted a joint effort to establish a paid family leave program that is touted as a potential model for the nation.
With legalization of cannabis in varying statuses across multiple jurisdictions, the Governors discussed how they might find common ground to address this concern across the region.
The governors were joined by Premier Blaine Higgs of New Brunswick who provided a brief overview of the 2019 New England Governors/Eastern Canadian Premiers Conference to be held in St. John, New Brunswick, September 8-10, 2019.
As Secretariat for the New England Governors, CONEG provides the strategic direction for the conference on behalf of the Governors.
