
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 30, 1993                   TAG: 9306300025
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

CLINTON TO CAP GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS AT 1990 LEVELS

The Clinton administration plans to cap the emissions of so-called greenhouse gases after reducing them to 1990 levels by the year 2000, Energy Secretary Hazel O'Leary said Tuesday before the Senate Energy Committee.

President Clinton on Earth Day committed the country to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, a politically charged course that is opposed by industry and that previous Republican administrations had refused to follow.

O'Leary, testifying on the administration's plans to achieve that goal, said the projections for the nation's growth and energy consumption point to "an alarming trend with respect to pollution." To refrain from committing to further greenhouse gas emissions "would be irresponsible," she said.

"Clearly the cap has to be held," she said, adding that there is also sentiment for continuing the reductions.

Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are caused principally by burning of fossil fuels and are believed by many scientists to be contributing to global warming.

Business and industry groups have steadfastly opposed any cap on emissions, contending it would slow the economy too much.

by CNB