Mass. Releases Plan To Cut Greenhouse Gases

The state's energy chief has released a plan to sharply cut Massachusetts greenhouse gases by 2020.

The proposal, released Wednesday by Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles, aims to drive greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below their 1990 levels within the decade.

The reduction is required under the 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act.

The plan outlines more than two dozen policies to reduce the emissions. They include expanding programs that make buildings more energy efficient and an experimental program to curb driving by increasing car insurance rates the more miles a person drives.

Carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone are among the targeted gases.

State officials say the plan could create up to 48,000 jobs and help the state lead the nation's transition to a clean energy economy.