Reuters cited planners as saying the scheme could serve as a blueprint not only for the rest of the United States, but also for other big
polluting nations like China and India.
If accepted, the proposals, presented by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), would become law in 2010 and 2012.
The proposed initiatives are said to include a cap-and-trade scheme for carbon dioxide emissions that requires buildings and appliances to use less energy, oil companies to make cleaner products and utility companies to provide one-third of their energy from renewable sources.
CARB said the measures will create jobs and reduce pollution-related illnesses like asthma.
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