Speaking at the Southern Governors' Association:

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va. -- Gov. Timothy M. Kaine today proposed that southern states develop a regional approach to creating an energy and climate change policy.

"The issue of energy and how we will we provide power for homes, businesses, transportation has gone from a back-burner issue to a front-burner issue -- thank goodness," Kaine told a meeting of the Southern Governors' Association on the final day of its annual conference, held at The Greenbrier resort.

"There is no doubt that the science shows that climate change is happening," he said.

Kaine has quieted down some on the VP stuff, which is probably a good thing for his chances. Much better to be out there like this making big policy proposals.