Both houses OK studies anticipating greenhouse gas limits

Smokestacks
Emissions from factories and power plants are two sources of greenhouse gases that a cap-and-trade system would potentially regulate.
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Both houses of the Minnesota Legislature have approved bills anticipating limits on greenhouse gases.

The House bill passed 91-38 while the Senate gave preliminary approval to a similar bill on a 42-20 vote.

The legislation requires studies of the effect of a regional cap-and-trade system on Minnesota's economy, environment and public health.

Minnesota is working with other Midwestern states to cap greenhouse gas emissions and create a trading or selling market for pollution allowances.

DFL Representative Kate Knuth said lawmakers should be involved in a process that could bring major economic changes, including new clean-energy jobs.

Republicans say such a system could cost jobs and hurt consumers and businesses. Several Iron Range Democrats say the bill could hurt steel and taconite ventures.

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