Governor signs greenhouse gas reduction bill

By Globe Staff

Governor Deval Patrick has signed a bill that would sharply curb greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

The Global Warming Solutions Act requires the emissions -- which scientists say are causing global warming that could wreak havoc on the world's environment -- to be reduced by as much as 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. It also calls for a reduction of 80 percent by 2050. The bill would include tough penalties, with fines of as much as $25,000 a day for violations.

"Massachusetts will lead the way in reducing the emissions that threaten the planet with climate change," Patrick said in a statement.

Former Vice President Al Gore, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to warn people about climate change, wrote a letter urging passage of the bill when the House was considering the proposal. It eventually passed the Legislature overwhelmingly, despite concerns raised by the business community.

Patrick also signed the Green Jobs Act, which is intended to provide $68 million over five years to support the growth of a clean energy technology industry in the state.

"This law will help us create good-paying jobs in an already-thriving clean energy industry that can double or triple in size in the coming years," House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi said in a statement.

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