Md. Senate OKs Stronger Greenhouse Gas Reduction Requirement

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has voted to continue pushing forward with greenhouse gas reduction.

The Senate voted 38-8 on Tuesday for the bill.

Maryland's current greenhouse gas reduction requirement is 25 percent from 2006 levels by 2020. The bill passed Tuesday sets a 40 percent reduction by 2030 from 2006 levels.

Supporters cited powerful storms in recent years as evidence climate change was being felt in a state with a large amount of coastline. Opponents called it a mandate that threatens to hurt businesses.

Sen. Paul Pinsky, a Prince George's County Democrat who sponsored the bill, says Maryland is on pace to exceed the 2020 goals because of steps taken in the initial law approved six years ago.

The bill now goes to the House.

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