Ontario is taking steps to join climate initiative

As part of Ontario's request to join the 10 Western Climate Initiative partners, which includes Utah, officials with the Canadian province announced a Go Green Climate Change Plan that includes full closure of all coal plants by 2014.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty submitted the formal request Thursday. The coal plant closures are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 million tons annually, while other aspects of its plan includes renewable, clean energy investments and providing millions in public transit funding.

The WCI intends to recognize Ontario as the group's 11th partner, Utah Department of Environmental Quality spokeswoman Donna Spangler said in a statement Friday.