Free Republic

As expected, the California Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would limit purchases of electricity from coal-fired power plants by the state's electric utilities and large companies. The bill, passed previously by the state Assembly, now moves to the desk of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is expected to sign it. A separate measure to limit greenhouse gas emissions among all heavy industry is also expected to be passed Thursday. Together, the two steps would make California by far the most active state in combating global warming. The electricity measure, Senate Bill 1368, would prohibit new long-term contracts for basic...

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California would become the first state to impose a limit on all greenhouse gas emissions, including those from industrial plants, under a landmark deal reached Wednesday by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and legislative Democrats. The agreement marks a clear break with the Bush administration and puts California on a path to reducing its emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases by an estimated 25 percent by 2020. The bill still needs lawmakers' approval, but that appears likely, given that Democrats control the Legislature. The deal gives Schwarzenegger a key environmental victory as he seeks re-election this fall....