SACRAMENTO - Today California Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols and Chair of the Australian Clean Energy Regulator, Chloe Munro, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to guide collaboration between the agencies in addressing the global issue of climate change.

The agreement establishes a framework for a working relationship that will mutually benefit each agency in efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“This agreement continues our productive relationship with the Clean Energy Regulator to improve our respective programs,” said Chairman Nichols. “It is another step forward in California’s efforts to establish relationships with other programs to continue sharing information and best practices to fight the global danger of climate change.”

“It is important for Australian agencies to develop strong relationships with our counterparts overseas as we work towards a global market. I believe this agreement will demonstrate the benefits of regulators working together to reinforce the effective operation of our programs,” said Chair Munro.

Under the agreement, the Clean Energy Regulator and the Air Resources Board will share information to develop complementary and effective market-based programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support and build on the capacity of the international carbon market.

The Australian Clean Energy Regulator and the Air Resources Board have been sharing practical lessons over the past year on methods for setting carbon prices. The new memorandum focuses on investing in clean energy generation and related technologies and improving market integrity to deepen collaboration between the two agencies.

That Memorandum of Understanding can be found here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/2013/mou_cer_arb_073013.pdf (https://www.arb.ca.gov/newsrel/2013/mou_cer_arb_073013.pdf)