AUGUSTA — The Senate voted unanimously today to gave initial approval to a measure that allows Maine to join a multi-state effort to reduce greenhouse gas pollution.

The 10 northern states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative agree to freeze power plant emissions from 2009 to 2015 and cut them 10 percent by 2019.

In Maine, the state’s six largest power plants would pay for the right to release carbon dioxide, an emission that is not regulated now by the federal or state government. Maine’s proposal also calls for the money to be used to promote energy efficiency and conservation.

The measure still faces additional votes in the House and Senate.

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