While the South is home to a significant reserve of natural and energy resources, Southern governors are mindful of emerging energy and environmental issues that impact the region’s growth and prosperity, now and in the future. Southern governors are working hard to develop strategies and programs to reduce the region’s dependence on foreign sources of oil, gas and refined petroleum products by increasing the energy supply using existing domestic energy sources. Additionally, the use of new technologies such as coal gasification, coal liquification and an increased emphasis on developing bio-fuels, wind and solar energy reduce both our dependence on foreign energy supplies and the environmental impact of our energy consumption.

At the federal level, SGA is working on a long-term legislative initiative aimed at creating equity in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The initiative works to bring together organizations that would like to see the program turned into one that equally benefits low-income families in all regions of the country, without regard to whether their energy needs are driven by extreme cold or extreme heat. Through its member governors, SGA is focused on eliminating the inequities of the base funding formula of LIHEAP so that all states can better help meet the year-round energy needs of their low-income families.
 
At the regional level, Southern governors will continue to pay close attention to efforts to make regional air quality improvements, and address continuing regional air quality issues.