"A bipartisan group of senators has introduced a bill that would sidestep the stalled climate debate on carbon emissions and reduce other harmful gases by large margins in the next few years.

The bill would amend the Clean Air Act of 1990 to require that three pollutants -- sulfur oxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and mercury -- be reduced by substantial amounts through a cap-and-trade system. The bill's co-author, Sen. Thomas Carper, D-Del., said he supports efforts by the administration to reduce carbon emissions related to climate change, but this legislation will improve air quality for Americans' health."

Sarah Lutz reports for Scripps Howard News Service February 10, 2010. [2]