N.H.: Regional global warming initiative advances

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2008/05/21/nh_house_sends_global_warming_initiative_to_governor/

CONCORD, N.H.—New Hampshire is poised to become the 10th state to participate in a regional effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

The House voted Wednesday to send Gov. John Lynch legislation to implement the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative known as RGGI, but to revisit it if Congress enacts a federal program. The House next considers changes made to the proposal, especially on how much money would go into a fund to promote energy efficiency.

The bill adds New Hampshire to the other New England states, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland in a market-based, "cap and trade" program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the region's power plants.

Lynch believes the initiative will help New Hampshire's environment and economy.

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