WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), released a statement commending Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s decision to bring the commonwealth into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).  Rep. Markey spearheaded two letters from the MA Congressional delegation urging former Governor Romney to join the RGGI.  Although Massachusetts was instrumental in the creation of RGGI, Romney chose not incorporate the commonwealth into the agreement.

“I applaud Governor Patrick’s historic decision today to formally incorporate Massachusetts back into the landmark Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Massachusetts has always been a leader in innovation and should never have been standing idle in the face of the enormous challenge we face in curbing the greenhouse emissions that cause global warming. I look forward to Massachusetts reclaiming its historical position as an environmental and technological leader.”

Rep. Markey is a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce and Resources Committees.