Budget deficit forces trim in climate plans

Friday, December 26, 2008 - Page updated at 12:00 AM

Budget deficit forces trim in climate plans

By Phoung Le

The Associated Press

Recognizing a tough budget situation, the state is planning to pursue a less-aggressive plan to curb climate change than many had hoped.

The centerpiece of the plan is a regional cap-and-trade system that would limit the amount of greenhouse gases that industrial polluters emit while allowing them to buy and trade credits for the amount they can produce.

But some of the ambitious recommendations put forth by a task force Gov. Christine Gregoire established last year likely won't be pursued when the Legislature convenes next month.

Gregoire last week released a pared-down state budget proposal in response to a projected deficit of nearly $6 billion, with calls for across-the-board cuts.

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