Romney is said to plan limits on polluter funds(more pollution w/new fee)

Environmentalists appear unhappy with Gov. Romney's plans to cap plant pollution in the Bay State with hiked up emission payments from corporations. LINK
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2005/12/07/romney_is_said_to_plan_limits_on_polluter_funds/

Romney is said to plan limits on polluter funds
Bid would aid power plants
By Beth Daley, Globe Staff | December 7, 2005

Governor Mitt Romney will propose as soon as this week limits on how much the state's dirtiest power plants would pay to emit a key pollutant linked to global warming, according to a government official who has seen the document detailing the plan.

The approach of capping pollution payments is similar to one that Romney has proposed in a broader regional pact that would limit emissions of the same kind of greenhouse gas from power plants. Romney's request may end up excluding Massachusetts from a nine-state agreement; the other states disagree with Romney's proposal.

In 2001, the state was the first in the nation to announce limits on carbon dioxide releases into the atmosphere from power plants. Those restrictions, which take effect next month, target the state's six oldest and most polluting power plants.

But under Romney's proposal, power companies could pay into a fund, rather than lower their emissions once their allowed limit is reached. As early as January, power plants could pay $10 into the fund for every excess ton of carbon dioxide they emit, according to the government official, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the discussions. It was unclear last night what the fund would be used for.

The plants would benefit by not having to make reductions in emissions if they opt to just pay the fee. Romney has expressed concern in recent weeks that the cost to power plants that comply with such programs could harm businesses, because the costs would be passed on to them.<snip>