States poised to set limits on emissions

[jpak]

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/050921greenhouse.shtml

Maine and eight other northeastern states are on the brink of setting the nation's first limits on carbon dioxide pollution from power plants.

After two years of discussion, state officials, energy producers, environmentalists and consumer advocates are debating final details of a proposed cap-and-trade program that is expected to be finalized at the end of this month.

The plan - called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or "reggie" for short - would freeze carbon dioxide pollution at current levels through 2015, then require a 10 percent reduction by 2020. Power generators would have to use cleaner fuels or improve efficiency to stay within the caps, or pay other power plants to make the reductions for them.

"We very much support the concept," said Dawn Gallagher, commissioner of Maine's Department of Environmental Protection. "We need to make sure Maine is treated fairly."

<more>

[endarkenment]

1. next move:

Cabal directs SC to make such state regulations unconstitutional.

[Kolesar]

2. I know Bush's lawyers are doing just that

Challenging states to not regulate GH gasses or fuel economy.

[phantom power]

3. Surely not! States rights are sacred to the GOP!

Ha! I crack myself up! :rofl: