New England governors, eastern Canadian premiers meet

BOSTON – Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker says energy, trade, economic issues and opioid addiction were among the topics discussed at the 40th Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers.

Baker, a Republican, co-chaired the two-day conference at the Statehouse in Boston. Premier Wade MacLauchlan of Prince Edward Island was also a co-chairman. The governors and premiers participated in two sessions Monday.

MassLive.com reports (http://bit.ly/2bElpdU ) that energy was a major issue at the conference. Baker recently signed a law that will require Massachusetts to solicit long-term contracts to purchase offshore wind and hydropower. Most of the hydropower is expected to come from Canada.

Baker says Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island are working on regional procurement of hydropower and wind power from Canada and upstate New York to address climate change.