Created in 1976, the Coalition of Northeastern Governors (CONEG) is a non-partisan association of the seven governors of northeast states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Vermont. CONEG works with the governors and their staff and policy advisors to examine current and emerging regional issues, develop effective solutions, and undertake cooperative actions that benefit the individual state and the region. In the region, states use CONEG as a forum to share information, learn from each other about “what works,” and identify opportunities for cooperation among the states. The priority policy areas for CONEG are integrated regional transportation systems, energy efficiency, clean energy, emerging regional energy markets, and comprehensive strategies to address climate change. CONEG also provides support to the Northeast Committee on Environment, an informal association of the seven states’ environmental commissioners.
In 2012, CONEG staff began providing secretariat support to the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP), a special relationship of the six New England governors and the premiers of New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edwards Island, and Quebec. Through its annual governors and premier’s conference, and the work of various joint committees of state and provincial officials, these states and provinces share ideas and advance common interests in areas such as energy, environment, economic development, and trade.