"This is an important step for Michigan, and for the nation, in encouraging the reduction of greenhouse gases," said Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester.  "We look forward to continuing our partnership with companies around the state to improve the quality of our air and the environment."

Michigan had previously joined with seven other Midwest states to develop the Midwest Greenhouse Gas Registry, a program that has now become part of the larger Climate Registry coalition.

The list of charter members in The Climate Registry includes the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.  Two Canadian provinces, British Columbia and Manitoba, have also committed to participate.

This voluntary program for businesses represents an unprecedented cooperative effort in North America to work towards creating innovative solutions that will keep our environment protected for generations to come.