from Forbes Magazine

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - A bill to slash Maryland's carbon emissions as a way to address global warming was delayed Wednesday by senators who feared the bill could hike energy prices and put factories out of business.

The bill would require Maryland to cut carbon emissions 25 percent. Measured from 2006 levels, the emission cuts would have to be met by 2025.

Supporters say much of the reduction could come from laws already enacted, such as tougher rules for power plant emissions and a requirement for cleaner-burning cars. But they acknowledge further reductions would be needed to address global warming, and that improvements to factories or businesses could be required.

The potential for job losses, or higher power bills as consumers pay to upgrade power plants, stopped the bill's progress Wednesday.

"It would not be in the best interest of anybody in Maryland," said Sen. Donald Munson, R-Washington, who said jobs would be lost because factories would not be able to reduce carbon emissions and comply.

Supporters insist the bill has already been changed to protect industry. For example, the bill originally included a carbon cut of 90 percent by 2050 - a cut that would have been the nation's deepest - but that requirement was changed to a goal.

Sponsors said regardless of job losses, the carbon reductions could impact Maryland.

"If we don't get this under control by 2050, we all ought to get snorkels," said Sen. Paul Pinsky, D-Prince George's.

Full Story: http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/03/19/ap4794493.html