Clean power debate flares up in Colorado

A national debate over global warming is turning into a major sticking point at the Colorado Legislature. Democrats and Republicans this week started tussling over paying for efforts to curb carbon emissions.

Republicans say it’s a waste of money to try to comply with the Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan, which regulates carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. That plan is on hold because of a decision last month by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Democrats insist that Colorado should move ahead on efforts to reduce greenhouse gas. The Democratic governor wants lawmakers to approve some $200,000 to work on the Clean Power Plan.

But Senate Republicans voted this week to block the Commission from doing just that.

Legislatures in 24 states are considering bills in response to Obama’s climate plan.