California Breaks Ranks to Limit Greenhouse Gases

California aims to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by a quarter over the next 14 years in a landmark deal struck by the Republican governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the state's Democrats.

In a significant break from Bush administration policy, Mr Schwarzenegger has agreed to sign the Global Warming Solutions Act into law after it is approved by the Democratic-controlled state assembly. California is in effect declaring environmental independence from Washington, where the White House and Congress have opposed mandatory limits on emissions of greenhouse gases.