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Carbon Auction to Benefit Energy Programs

Massachusetts made more than $13 million in last week's first-in-the-nation auction of greenhouse gas permits, which would allow utilities to pollute if they pay they price.

WBUR's Sacha Pfeiffer reports most of the money earned in the auction will be spent on energy efficiency programs.

PFEIFFER: Six East Coast states took part in the auction. It's part of a new plan requiring the region's large electric power companies to buy pollution permits if they want to emit carbon dioxide. Energy secretary Ian Bowles said revenue from permit sales will benefit state residents.

BOWLES: Putting these several million dollars to work this winter is really going to be able to help out consumers as they confront a difficult and cold winter.

PFEIFFER: The money will be used to weatherize houses, update old furnaces, do home energy audits, and other efficiency measures.

This program aired on September 30, 2008. The audio for this program is not available.

Headshot of Sacha Pfeiffer

Sacha Pfeiffer Host, All Things Considered
Sacha Pfeiffer was formerly the host of WBUR's All Things Considered.

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