Energy, climate change on agenda as eastern premiers, governors meet

Energy and climate change are leading the agenda as eastern premiers and New England governors began a day-long meeting Monday in St. John's.

Two governors, Connecticut's Dannel Malloy and Charlie Baker of Massachusetts, say they want to meet demands for more power in their states while reducing carbon emissions.

New England's electricity demands are increasing and eastern states are "anxious" to work with Canadian suppliers, Malloy said.

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard told the open meeting that his province's 62 hydroelectric power plants offer access to flexible capacity at stable prices.

Cleaner hydro power can also help American states cut reliance on non-renewable energy, such as fossil fuels, while spurring new technologies, he added.

"Better jobs, better growth for a better low-carbon economy," said Couillard.

Hydro-Quebec was expected to announce Monday details of a bid for a new transmission line that, if approved, would bring more hydro power into New England.

Baker, who met separately with both Paul Davis of Newfoundland and Labrador and Couillard, expressed how access to hydro from Canada could help reduce Massachusetts' carbon footprint.

"We believe the right relationship with Canadian hydro will make that a lot easier," he said.

Davis is hosting the 39th annual conference of regional leaders, which consists of the premiers of Quebec, the Atlantic provinces and governors from six New England states.