Maine governor signs regional global warming bill - Boston.com: "AUGUSTA, Maine --Gov. John Baldacci signed legislation Monday that includes Maine in the nation's first regional effort to control greenhouse gas emissions through a cap-and-trade system.
Maine joins Connecticut and other states that have already joined the 10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which is intended to reduce pollution from northeastern power plants by 10 percent over a decade through 2018.
The law signed by Baldacci requires Maine's six largest power plants to pay for the right to release carbon dioxide, the heat-trapping gas most blamed for global warming.
Baldacci said industries that will be affected by the law worked collaboratively with environmentalists and state regulatory officials to write the complex legislation. Baldacci said the regional effort will trigger green energy development, which will be benefit the economy.
"Reducing global warming pollution protects our natural treasures for future generations, and it protects our children's future while placing Maine at the forefront of new economic opportunities," Baldacci said. ..."
