Home | Politically Connected | State Politics
Cap-and-trade system for emissions starts hot House debate
Print this story
E-mail this story
Save to del.icio.us
Share on newsvine
Share on DiggMore from State Politics
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
Featured comment
Cap & TAX
Tax is correct....why don't I just hand over my whole paycheck to the state & feds and go on welfare? As for a "a simple and cheap solar … read more wall heater on every home"...let me know when someone invents one. If solar could be taking over, don't you think it would've happenned by now? Just like the great ethanol myth, cap & trade wil not lower costs, or cut pollution, just redirect it.
Add your own comment | Close comment