CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today that New Hampshire has joined with 31 other states as a founding member of The Climate Registry, a multi-state effort to track and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

"New Hampshire has been a leader in developing a State greenhouse gas registry to encourage businesses, local governments, and individuals to make voluntary reductions in greenhouse gases," Gov. Lynch said. "New Hampshire is proud to be part of this broader greenhouse gas registry that will help support states' actions to address climate change and help us preserve the environment that we have been entrusted with safeguarding for future generations."

The newly formed Climate Registry will assist states in measuring, tracking, and managing emissions of greenhouse gases. The Climate Registry will support a wide range of state and regional programs designed to manage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It will also recognize companies already leading in making voluntary greenhouse gas reductions and help ensure early actions are properly recognized in any future programs.

The Climate Registry will provide states with verified, highly accurate emissions information that is consistent across borders and industry sectors. The Climate Registry will support both voluntary reporting programs and may support mandatory greenhouse gas emissions reporting programs should they be adopted. The goal is to have the Registry functional on January 1, 2008.

Joining the registry is just one part of Gov. Lynch's overall strategy to address the climate change issue and help preserve New Hampshire's environment. The Governor has set a goal of ensuring 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025.

"Increasing renewable energy will give our state more energy choices, bolster our economy and make our air and water cleaner. It will help create jobs right here in New Hampshire by expanding uses for our wood products, in building clean power plants, and in research and development," Gov. Lynch said.

On Friday, Gov. Lynch will sign into law the Renewable Energy Act, which will establish a renewable energy portfolio standard and help move the state closer to ensuring 25 percent of New Hampshire's energy comes from renewable sources by 2025. The legislation, which passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, will encourage investment in energy production in New Hampshire that will deliver economic and environmental benefits to the state and the region.

"If we want to secure a more stable, cleaner electricity supply for future generations, the time to act is now," Gov. Lynch said.