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The amount of greenhouse gases that can be released under a multi-state pollution reduction agreement is being lowered.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative — or RGGI — is a pact between nine states that introduces a market-based regulatory program that enforces restrictions on air pollution by making states bid for allowances in carbon dioxide. In other words, it's a way to make people who pollute a lot pay for it, and encourage people who don't need to pollute to pollute less.
On Thursday, the states participating in the RGGI announced that they are drastically cutting the total amount of carbon dioxide emissions they're allowing, shrinking the pollution pie that power plants and other polluters have to fight over.
Specifically, they're reducing that pie by 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2014. Maryland officials say the program is a cornerstone of its plan to cut greenhouse gases by a quarter by 2020.
In Maryland, auction proceeds are used for programs including energy efficiency, conservation, low-income energy aid and clean energy.
China Builds Museums ... But Will The Visitors Come?
China is on a spree to build world-class museums and has opened about 100 of them annually in recent years. Two of the biggest opened on the same day last fall on opposite banks of Shanghai's Huangpu River. But filling these museums — with both art and visitors — is proving more challenging.Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame
The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.Former IRS Head To Senate: It Wasn't My Fault
Douglas Shulman, who led the IRS during the years when agency workers targeted tax-exempt applications from conservative groups, did his best to deflect accusations from unhappy senators.Microsoft Reveals New Xbox One Game System
Microsoft unveiled its new Xbox One Tuesday, displaying a device that takes new steps in game consoles' journey into becoming all-purpose entertainment and communication devices. The new console replaces the Xbox 360, which has been on the market for more than seven years.Leave a Comment
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