An informal alliance since colonial days, the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) was formed in 1973 to include the six New England states and five Canadian provinces.  The goal of the conference is to advance members' economic and environmental interests, including mercury emissions reductions, climate change actions, the expansion of economic ties among the states and provinces, fostering of energy exchanges, and the forceful advocacy of environmental issues and sustainable development.