California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has solidified a four-year memorandum of understanding with his counterpart in Sonora, Mexico, aimed at strengthening their collaboration on clean energy development, supply chain resilience, and climate action. The bilateral partnership seeks to advance the two states’ leadership in transnational efforts against climate change.
Governor Newsom highlighted the urgent need for collective action during the signing ceremony, emphasizing that the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly extreme. He also offered a poetic critique of the current U.S. administration’s approach to climate policy, referencing William Butler Yeats: “Wisdom is a butterfly, not a gloomy bird of prey.” This contrasted the wise and collaborative relationship between California and Sonora with the divisive and regressive policies in Washington.
Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo Montaño stressed the importance of their partnership, noting that both states must join forces to combat climate change for the benefit of future generations. The memorandum outlines several shared objectives, including increasing clean energy development, maintaining electric system reliability, and expanding regional access to renewable sources.
Key areas of focus include:
1. Clean Energy Development: Enhancing the growth of clean energy in both California and Sonora.
2. Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthening the supply chain for critical components in the transition to a clean energy economy.
3. Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency in buildings across both states.
4. Research and Innovation: Supporting research and innovation in clean energy, electric mobility, and other related areas.
This commitment is especially timely given the ongoing debates about trade policies between the United States and Mexico/Canada. The memorandum also establishes the foundation for meetings between experts from both sides to explore opportunities for cooperation on supply chain development and renewable energy exportation.
Through this partnership, California and Sonora are sending a strong message of cooperation and determination to address the pressing challenge of climate change. Their commitment to collaborative leadership in clean energy development and transnational climate action serves as an example for other states and nations to follow. As Governor Newsom stated, “Despite the border that divides us, California and Sonora share the common drive to advance real solutions.” This partnership embodies the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility needed to tackle the complexities of a changing world.
Source: The Hill
