How CONEG is Organized

CONEG is an unincorporated association of the eight Northeastern Governors. Other Governors who are supportive of CONEG's mission and activities may request membership, and upon majority approval, may join the organization. A Chair and vice-chair are elected annually with terms beginning in January of each year. Lead Governors oversee the direction and activities undertaken in each priority program area. Policies adopted by the Governors are CONEG's public statements on issues of concern to the organization as well as the framework for program initiatives.

The Coalition is assisted by committees that identify, monitor and advise the Governors on regional concerns and policies. The Advisory Committee, composed of one representative named by each member Governor, is the sole standing committee of CONEG. Acting on behalf of the individual Governors, the Advisory Committee reviews regional program priorities, helps negotiate the CONEG policy positions, oversees coordination of all activities undertaken by CONEG, and approves the annual work plan.

The Governors create program committees as needed to monitor specific issues and assess their implications for the region. Members, appointed by the Governors and reporting to the Advisory Committee, bring the substantive expertise of their states to bear on these priority issues. The Advisory Committee annually reviews the mission and activities of each program committee for its continuing relevance to CONEG's regional agenda, and determines if the committee and its activities will be retained, modified or abolished. In 2003, CONEG has program committees active in the areas of transportation, rail and energy.