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Cap-and-trade system for emissions starts hot House debate
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Legislation that anticipates eventual limits on greenhouse gases dominated a Minnesota House session Wednesday, setting off debates about global warming and jobs before passing 91-38. The Senate gave preliminary approval to a similar bill on a 42-20 vote.
Minnesota and other Midwest states are developing a regional cap-and-trade system designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions. Gov. Tim Pawlenty is working with his counterparts in several states and Manitoba.
Rep. Kate Knuth, the bill's sponsor, said the Legislature should be involved in a process that could shape a national system and work major economic changes. Her bill would require legislative approval for Minnesota to join a cap-and-trade system, plus studies of the effect on the economy, environment and public health.
"Cap-and-trade will change the jobs that we have in Minnesota -- I think it will change the jobs for the better," said Knuth, DFL-New Brighton. "It will bring clean-energy jobs."
Republicans said that jobs could be lost and that consumers and businesses could be hurt. Some questioned the human contribution to global warming and whether global warming should be considered a crisis. Rep. Pat Garofalo, R-Farmington, read 30-year-old headlines that warned about global cooling.
Some Iron Range Democrats said they fear a cap-and-trade system could hurt steel and taconite ventures in that region.
A cap-and-trade system would set an upper limit on emissions and create a market to trade and sell pollution allowances, rewarding low-emitting industries and utilities that don't use their full capacity.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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