U.S. Senate Panel Begins Work on Greenhouse Gas Cuts

A senior Senate Republican said Thursday he will pursue legislation that may eventually require U.S. industry to cut gases linked to global warming, a view sharply at odds with the White House and many other Republicans.

However, crafting legislation that would reduce emissions without being too costly to the U.S. economy will not be easy, said Pete Domenici, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.

The United States is the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide, one of several greenhouse gases blamed for melting glaciers and rising sea levels.

The New Mexico Republican said he believes temperatures are rising because of human activities. But Domenici faces an uphill battle with the White House and many fellow Republicans, who warn that mandatory caps on emissions could stunt U.S. economic growth.

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