State Senate passes Inslee's climate bill

The Washington state Senate has advanced a measure championed by Gov. Jay Inslee to study the best practices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the measure passed Wednesday, an outside consultant would review both Washington state's ongoing efforts to cut carbon emissions and similar endeavors elsewhere. It would then report back to the governor and legislative leaders.

Supporters say the bill would help the state reach its target of reducing 2020 greenhouse gas emissions levels to those of 1990.

Republican Sen. Mike Carrell of Lakewood opposes the bill. He questions the causal link between carbon dioxide emissions and rising global temperatures.

The Senate removed language from the original bill warning of the perils of global warming. It passed by a vote of 37-12 and heads next to the House.