" Québec and Maine share a common border over 300 km long as well as a number of watercourses flowing across the border of both countries. The agreement signed today will preserve the quality of the environment needed for the economic development of the Chaudière-Appalaches and Estrie regions. In addition, the new environmental agreement will encourage exchange and cooperation already underway to develop tourism in the Chaudière-Kennebek International corridor, " Premier Landry said.

By entering into this bilateral agreement, the two governments express their intent to share the information and expertise they hold on environmental issues of mutual concern. They also commit to preventing and mitigating transboundary pollution and to cooperating in the event of an environmental catastrophe that may adversely impact the quality of the environment of either or both jurisdictions. To implement the agreement, a joint task force will be set up in the coming months.

" In simple terms, this agreement formalizes a good neighbor pledge. The task force provides a forum for sharing knowledge and experience. It will seek out opportunities for collaboration toward environmental gain. Something positive and good will most certainly come of it, " Governor King stated.

Maine, it should be recalled, is one of the six American States that are partners with Québec in the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers. All are partners in a number of environmental action plans addressing, most notably, acid rain, the reduction of mercury emissions and climate change.