The agency said it would lower industrial emissions by 90 percent, but some groups had sought more stringent regulations.

The Government says the tax would not be effective at lowering emissions.

"But lowering emissions of greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide could lead to some rapid changes for the better."

The order also requires lowering such emissions to 80 percent below 2006 levels by 2050.

But the real problem is we have no idea of whether they will work, whereas lowering emissions is very likely to work.

Ergo, lowering emissions is the sensible thing to do right now.

In the year since the Partnership went into effect, none of the parties have lowered emissions of greenhouse gases.

Solar, wind, etc can complement fossil fuels, lowering emissions to more acceptable levels.

Switching to natural gas in large transportation vehicles can lower (but not eliminate) emissions dramatically.

It will also lower emissions of carbon dioxide - all by direct use of natural gas.