Based on a voluntary agreement, the predominantly east coast states intend to meet the obligations of the Kyoto Protocol. Several other states could join later. For more information consult www.rgi.org. In an ill-advised attempt to stop the state-by-state approach, the DOE has announced that states cannot establish their own energy efficiency standards or establish policies upon such standards. Separate emissions-based standards, including Green House Gass emissions is still permissible.