On September 18, 2008, the Midwest states of Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota announced creation of a regional transmission planning effort that will "promote regional electric transmission investment and cost sharing" among the states.  Several entities, including MISO (which is currently conducting transmission planning studies in the region) and ITC, have issued press releases in favor of the initiative.  The initiative, scheduled to have its first planning meeting in October, will coordinate efforts among entities involved in transmission matters, including state regulatory agencies, transmission companies, utilities, independent generation owners and other key stakeholders.