US House passes bill to rein in green house emissions

The US House of Representatives yesterday passed legislation to drastically reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases blamed for global warming.

The bill just passed with a 219 to 212 majority. Only eight Republicans broke ranks and voted for the bill, while 43 Democrats voted against the measure.

The passing of the bill is seen as a victory for Obama, who was vocal in giving global warming and clean energy legislation a top priority, and House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had made energy and climate change signature issues at the top of her priority list.

But the legislation deeply divided US politicians, businesses and even climate groups. The outcome of the House vote was uncertain to the very last minute.

The bill now moves to the Senate, which could have an even tougher time getting the measure passed.

Obama said the bill would create jobs, and added that with its vote, the House had put America on a path toward leading the way toward "creating a 21st century global economy."

The climate and energy bill calls for reduction in greenhouse gases by 17 per cent by 2020 and 83 per cent by 2050 by allowing pollution permits to be bought and sold

Limiting emissions from major industrial sources, including power plants, factories and refineries (agricultural emissions would be exempted)

Controlling carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels and limiting six other greenhouse gases